General Questions

1.1_GQ : Why don’t we offer recorded courses?

While recorded courses offer the flexibility of viewing at your convenience, they don't provide the immediate support needed to address doubts. We've observed that LIVE courses tend to have a higher success rate, especially when it comes to learning intricate skills like 3D modeling and rendering. With recorded courses, minor uncertainties can accumulate, potentially leading you to abandon your learning journey. In contrast, a LIVE course allows your initial interaction with the software to be guided by an instructor, ensuring doubts are clarified in real-time and setting a firm foundation. This approach significantly boosts your confidence in mastering the software.

Another merit of LIVE courses is the commitment to complete the classes. It's fair to say many of us have purchased numerous recorded courses on platforms like Udemy but seldom finish them in their entirety. In a LIVE setting, not only will you cover the full curriculum by the course's end, but the instructor also ensures that you're actively participating in the exercises. The return on investment for LIVE courses outshines that of their recorded counterparts.

1.2_GQ : How are the courses conducted?

Our courses are conducted live online via platforms such as Zoom. These interactive classes allow participants to ask questions and engage in real-time discussions. Rather than just watching videos or reading static materials, our approach ensures students actively participate, enabling them to clarify their doubts instantly.

1.3_GQ : What is the duration of live classes?

Live classes typically have a total duration of 12 hours, spread over 6 hours per day. However, alternative scheduling options or recordings of live classes can be provided if you can't attend in real-time.

1.4_GQ : What are the hours of the course?

For North America, it's 7:00 AM (PST), for the EU it's 16:00 PM (CST), for Asia, it's 11:30 AM (IST) and for the EU it's 8:00 AM (CST).

1.5_GQ : Can I access the recordings of the live classes?

All participants who attend the classes will have access to the recordings of the live sessions. Students can review these recordings to revisit the content of the live classes. For those unable to attend in real-time, alternative scheduling options or access to the class recordings are available.

1.6_GQ : How long do I have access to the recordings, and can they be downloaded?

Access to the recordings lasts for 45 days, with an option to extend for another 45 days upon exercise submission. Recordings cannot be downloaded.

1.7_GQ : What types of scheduling do we offer for classes?

Weekend / General Public: For individuals looking to enhance their skills. Scheduled for different time zones.

Weekdays / Team Training: Scheduled on weekdays and requires at least 3 to 4 participants from the same company. Custom content is available for specific design team goals and requirements.

1.8_GQ : How to enroll in a course?

Once you've reviewed the course information sent to your email, you can reserve your seat by paying 10€. After reserving, you'll receive access to the login platform, which includes the Zoom links, Google Calendar invite, and other essential course-related materials (such as files and plugins).

1.9_GQ : How can I make payments for the courses?

The course payment consists of an upfront reservation fee of 10€. The class payment is made after the course finishes. You can opt to pay the remaining amount in a single installment or spread it over 2, 3, or 4 months with no additional interest.

Rhinoceros Masterclass

1.1_RH : Why should product/industrial designers learn Rhinoceros 3D?

Rhinoceros 3D, commonly known as Rhino, stands out as a vital tool for industrial designers due to its diverse modeling capabilities and cost-effectiveness. With Rhino, designers can seamlessly transition between NURBS, Mesh, and SubD workflows, ensuring adaptability and precision in creating intricate designs. Moreover, its integration with Grasshopper 3D offers the added advantage of parametric modeling, expanding the design possibilities manifold. Economically priced, it is suitable not only for students and independent designers but also for professional studios. This blend of features and affordability makes Rhino an indispensable asset in the world of product development.

1.2_RH : I'm new to Rhino. Is the Rhinoceros Masterclass right for me?

Yes, the masterclass is designed to be suitable for absolute beginners. However, even if you have experience with other CAD packages like SOLIDWORKS or Fusion, you'll still find the course beneficial.

1.3_RH : What can I expect to learn in the Rhinoceros Masterclass?

This masterclass offers a comprehensive overview of Rhino's free-form modelling. You'll understand different geometry topologies (like NURBS, Mesh, or SubD), learn strategies for creating a range of 3D forms, and delve into creating high-quality class A surfaces suitable for manufacturing.

1.4_RH : I'm a Mac user. Can I still benefit from the Rhinoceros Masterclass?

Absolutely. While the Rhino interface for Mac slightly differs, the core functionalities remain the same. Don’t worry, the instructor will help you in any situation when you don’t find specific commands.

1.5_RH : Can I integrate my Rhino model with other CAD packages (such as SolidWorks, Fusion, Alias)?

Yes, you can easily import and export 3D models between Rhino and most industry-standard CAD packages, including SOLIDWORKS, Fusion, and Alias.

1.6_RH : Will having knowledge of Rhino 3D assist in learning Grasshopper later on?

Absolutely! Knowledge of Rhino 3D provides a solid foundation for learning Grasshopper. Grasshopper is a visual programming language plugin for Rhino, and understanding the core concepts and workflows of Rhino 3D can greatly simplify the learning curve of Grasshopper. Familiarity with Rhino's interface, commands, and modeling principles enables you to better understand and utilize Grasshopper's parametric capabilities. Essentially, mastering Rhino will give you a head start when diving into the more advanced, parametric modeling offered by Grasshopper.

Grasshopper Masterclass

1.1_GH : Why should product/industrial designers learn Grasshopper 3D?

Grasshopper 3D is an essential tool for product and industrial designers, primarily because it's built directly into Rhino, ensuring seamless integration. With Grasshopper, designers can effortlessly create parametric models, allowing for easy adjustments and iterative design without starting from scratch. Additionally, it offers capabilities to craft intricate and complex textures, further enhancing the visual and tactile appeal of industrial design projects. Beyond textures and parametric modeling, Grasshopper empowers designers with capabilities for generative design and optimization, enhancing both the aesthetic and functional aspects of a design.

1.2_GH : I don't have any experience with Rhino. Can I still join the Grasshopper Masterclass?

Yes, you can join Gh masterclass without any prior knowledge of Rhino. While we generally recommend students to have a basic understanding of Rhinoceros 3D, it's not a strict requirement. If you possess introductory to intermediate knowledge of NURBs from any industry-standard CAD program like SOLIDWORKS or Fusion 360, you'll be able to benefit from the course. However, if you're completely new to CAD software or if you're keen on learning Rhino 3D modelling in-depth, we suggest starting with our Rhinoceros Masterclass.

1.3_GH : What is the Grasshopper Masterclass about?

The Grasshopper Masterclass is a specialized online LIVE course tailored for beginners and intermediate users eager to delve into parametric modeling with Grasshopper. This course breaks down intricate Grasshopper concepts using practical industrial design examples, making it suitable for both beginners and intermediate users. Participants will grasp key concepts such as data hierarchy, tree and list management, attractors, and remapping, all contextualized through industrial design examples.

1.4_GH : I tried learning Grasshopper but failed. Will the Grasshopper Masterclass be beneficial?

We completely understand your frustration with attempting to learn Grasshopper on your own, sifting through various tutorials and downloading scripts from various sources. While this approach might work for a few, the majority tend to get overwhelmed and give up.

That's why our Grasshopper Masterclass is designed differently. We literally guide you live on Zoom, taking you through the journey of mastering Grasshopper with progressively complex examples. You'll gain clarity on concepts like when and why to flatten or graft a tree, how to align data hierarchies, the intricacies of using multiple attractors based on design requirements, and much more related to the parametric modeling workflow.

1.5_GH : I'm completely new to Grasshopper. Will I be able to follow along?

Absolutely! The masterclass starts with foundational concepts, making it suitable for absolute beginners. It gradually introduces intermediate topics, ensuring a smooth learning curve.

1.6_GH : What is the difference between Grasshopper Masterclass and Ad. Parametric texture Workshop.

Grasshopper Masterclass: Suitable for both beginners and intermediate users, this course introduces the fundamentals of Grasshopper. Participants will begin with the basics, such as understanding the interface, working with primitive shapes, and performing Boolean/trimming operations. The course then delves into more advanced concepts, including Data Tree, Grasshopper data flow, and List Management. These topics differ from what is found in Rhino and are unique to Grasshopper. If you're a beginner or an intermediate user who wants a deeper understanding of Data Tree & List Management, this course will lay the groundwork for mastering the "language" of Grasshopper.

Ad. Parametric Texture Workshop: This advanced course is designed for experienced Grasshopper users. It isn't a direct continuation of the Grasshopper Masterclass but rather focuses solely on creating textures using diverse workflows. Throughout the workshop, various techniques to generate and transfer textures will be employed. The content isn't tailored for beginners, as it delves into advanced data structures in Grasshopper. If you're not yet comfortable with topics like Data Tree, List Management, or the construction/deconstruction of geometry in Gh, you might find it challenging to keep pace. For this reason, we recommend that beginners first enroll in the Grasshopper Masterclass to solidify their Grasshopper foundation before progressing to the Ad. Parametric Texture Workshop.

Ad. Parametric Texture Wksp

1.1_TX : What is the Ad. Parametric Texture Workshop about?

The Advanced Parametric Texture Workshop is specifically designed for creating intricate parametric textures with a focus on manufacturing textured parts adhering to design-for-manufacturing criteria, such as draft angles and thickness analysis. The workshop presents over 14 different texture examples, showcasing various workflows to generate and transfer textures within a NURBS context. Textures play a crucial role in product design, serving aesthetic, structural, vent, functional, and lightweighting purposes. Utilizing Rhino's free-form modeling combined with Grasshopper's algorithmic modeling, we can craft an extensive array of textures for our industrial design projects.

1.2_TX : Why should product/industrial designers learn Ad. Parametric Texture workflows?

Textures can drastically influence both the aesthetics and functionality of a product. Designers gain the ability to infuse products with unique tactile and visual experiences that can differentiate their designs in the market. Furthermore, parametric workflows allow for a higher degree of customization and precision, enabling designers to cater to specific user needs or manufacturing requirements. Such skills can also lead to innovations in lightweighting, structural integrity, and enhanced user comfort. In the competitive world of product design, having the knowledge of advanced parametric texturing can provide a significant edge, ensuring that designs are both visually captivating and functionally optimized.

1.3_TX : What industry benefits can I gain from mastering advanced parametric texturing techniques as a designer?

By mastering advanced parametric texturing techniques, you position yourself at the forefront of modern industrial design and digital sculpting trends. Major design-driven companies like Logitech, BSH, Harman Kardon, BMW, and Herman Miller are increasingly integrating parametric modelers into their teams. This demonstrates a growing industry demand for professionals skilled in these techniques. Grasping complex texturing workflows will not only set you apart from the general pool of designers but also unlock a plethora of opportunities. It equips you with the tools to innovate and refine product designs, potentially leading to breakthroughs in aesthetics, functionality, and user experience. In essence, this knowledge will significantly enhance your marketability and potential to contribute to cutting-edge product development.

1.4_TX : What is the difference between Ad. Parametric texture Workshop and Grasshopper Masterclass?

1.5_TX : Do I need any previous knowledge in Rhino or Grasshopper before joining the advanced parametric texture workshop?

Yes, you need experience in Grasshopper because we will utilize advanced data tree structures and other fundamental Grasshopper concepts to create complex textures. Moreover, the instructor cannot delve into basic concepts in a group consisting of advanced Grasshopper users, as this would disrupt the class's flow. We would recommend you to start with the Grasshopper Masterclass if you don’t have experience in Grasshopper.

As for Rhinoceros, it's not a mandatory requirement. If you have experience with any other NURBS CAD package like SolidWorks or Fusion, you can still benefit from the texture workshop. However, to make the most out of the workshop, we recommend having intermediate experience in Rhinoceros.

1.6_TX : Can I import my designs from SolidWorks, Fusion, or Alias into Grasshopper and apply texture?

Yes, you can export your CAD file, import it into Rhino, apply textures with Grasshopper, and then export it back to the native CAD package to integrate the textured part into your design. Additional preparation is needed to properly import and export the textures with the correct file type and tolerance, but we will cover all these aspects in the workshop.

Keyshot Masterclass

1.1_KS : Why should product/industrial designers learn Keyshot?

Keyshot is a leading rendering and visualization tool that translates the intricacies of a design into stunning visuals, essential for presentations and client approvals. With its user-friendly interface and real-time CPU & GPU rendering capabilities, Keyshot allows designers to rapidly showcase their concepts in realistic environments, making it easier to communicate design intent, secure client buy-in, and make iterative changes. Its compatibility with most major CAD platforms ensures a seamless workflow, making it a vital tool in the modern designer's arsenal.

1.2_KS : I don't have any experience with Keyshot. Can I still join the Keyshot Masterclass?

Absolutely! The Keyshot Masterclass is designed to accommodate both beginners and those with some experience. The instructor will guide you from the foundational concepts, including understanding the interface and basic material parameters, all the way to advanced rendering techniques such as PBR textures, lighting, material graph, and animation. Regardless of your starting point, by the end of the masterclass, you'll have a solid grasp of Keyshot's capabilities.

1.3_KS : What is the Keyshot Masterclass about?

The Keyshot Masterclass is an intensive online course tailored for individuals looking to master the art and science of 3D rendering using Keyshot. From beginners to seasoned professionals, this class offers a comprehensive insight into Keyshot's vast capabilities. Participants will delve into topics ranging from the basic user interface, material application, and lighting techniques to more advanced concepts such as PBR (Physically-Based Rendering) textures, material graph manipulation, and creating dynamic animations. Through hands-on exercises and guided instruction, students will learn to transform their 3D models into visually stunning and realistic renderings, all while optimizing their workflow for efficiency and effectiveness. By the end of the course, attendees will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to harness the full potential of Keyshot in their design and visualization projects.

1.4_KS : I tried learning Keyshot but failed. Will the Keyshot Masterclass be beneficial?

We understand that while using Keyshot may seem straightforward, producing exceptional results can be challenging. Our Keyshot Masterclass is designed to bridge this gap, taking you from foundational to advanced rendering concepts. With some straightforward techniques, you'll see a marked improvement in your render quality. The course delves deep into advanced topics such as physical lighting, material graph intricacies, UV mapping, and animations. By the end of the masterclass, you'll be familiar with virtually all of Keyshot's features, grounded in practical examples. This knowledge will empower you to craft rendering scenes from scratch or adapt existing scenes to your specific requirements.