A collection of experiences that just keeps on growing!
Over the past year, I’ve expanded the Howard Cube to up to 32 unique experiences, each designed to be both educational and engaging. Each module looks at a really interesting topic, and there are interactive elements that get users involved and learning in a hands-on way.
Prototype
Before I start working on a complex project, I always start with a prototype. This early version lets me test out interactions, visuals, and user flow, making sure the concept is on track from the start. It's a really important step that saves you time in the long run and makes the final result better.
Reference Materials
I like to make a reference board with all the data and visuals I'm going to need before I get going on the modelling. For example, in the "Wall Experience" I gathered references for various building materials used in wall construction, so I could recreate them as realistically as possible. This goes beyond materials too. I always collect whatever I need for inspiration – shapes, structures, textures – and put it all together on one board to guide the modelling process.
Modeling & Texturing
Once I've got the references ready, I move on to creating the 3D models that form the foundation of each experience. It's all about getting the details right. I try to capture the shape, proportions and construction of the object. Then I develop realistic textures that bring the materials to life, from the grain of wood to the roughness of stone.
This step is where the digital world starts to feel real. I make sure that every element in Howard Cube looks authentic by combining precise modelling with carefully crafted textures, so users can interact with it as if it were real.
Interactions
Interactions are the last step in turning a static scene into a fully functional learning experience. If you add things that people can tap, rotate, or explore, the content becomes more than just visual—it becomes playful, memorable, and intuitive. These interactions are what make Howard Cube go from being a 3D showcase to an engaging educational tool.