Presentations
During my tenure at Designstor, I had the opportunity to conduct training sessions for a wide array of professionals, ranging from eager interns and fresh recruits to expert 3D artists. These sessions were comprehensive, covering a multitude of topics that merged theoretical foundations with hands-on practical experience. A highlight of this year was the creation and delivery of an extensive twelve-hour training series on the latest iteration of VRay.
Conducted remotely, these sessions were designed to be interactive and captivating, successfully keeping the attendees engaged throughout — a feat in itself! Additionally, I took the initiative to make this training material accessible online, neatly organized for quick reference, ensuring it became a useful, enduring resource in our knowledge base.
Some topics included:
VRay 6 transition
Linear Workflow
PBR
Normal mapping
OSL
Lunch n’ learn
I led informal presentations during lunchtime at Designstor, creating an engaging and relaxed learning environment. These sessions, typically lasting about 45 minutes, began with theoretical concepts before transitioning into practical applications. They covered a range of topics, from project postmortems to specific software techniques that didn't require a full-scale presentation.
The casual atmosphere encouraged attendees to ask questions and participate in conversations, fostering an environment where ideas were freely shared and discussed. The blend of informal setting and structured learning proved to be an effective approach to knowledge sharing.
Disclaimer: Not actual Designstor staff. We're equally good-looking, maybe not as terrifying, but these aren't our faces!
Arch viz seminars
Arch vis seminars were a monthly feature where each staff member had the opportunity to present for about five minutes on a subject of their choice. Embracing an informal tone, these presentations could cover a wide range of topics, from specific 3Ds Max techniques, handy tips, or newly discovered shortcuts, to broader interests like an impactful scene in a recent movie admired for its lighting or cinematography. Even sharing a cool photograph from a new book was welcome.
Despite some staff members not being fond of presenting, the casual nature of these seminars helped in creating a more relaxed atmosphere. The diversity of topics often sparked conversational and engaging discussions, leading to unexpectedly valuable insights and learnings for everyone involved.
Documentation
Documentation, an essential aspect of software development, can manifest in various forms. For the more complex scripts I developed, I ensured that comprehensive in-built documentation was available. This included links to detailed help files that explained software usage, along with sections dedicated to common practices and specific instructions for each part of the script. An essential feature was the 'Technical Director (TD)' section, which provided updates on ongoing bug fixes, known issues, and feature requests. Centralizing all this information in one place fostered transparency, allowing staff members to quickly understand the current status and functionalities of the software.
To cater to diverse learning preferences, many of these documents were supplemented with short instructional videos. This multimedia approach proved beneficial, as it accommodated both visual learners and those who preferred reading detailed explanations. The blend of visual guides and written instructions ensured that the team could easily grasp how different features worked.
Additionally, for some MAXScripts, I included step-by-step bulleted instructions to serve as quick reminders for artists. This approach was not meant to replace intuitive user experience (UX) design but rather to provide guidance for aspects of the script that weren't immediately obvious or couldn't be automated. By integrating these varied forms of documentation, we addressed the different needs and learning styles of our team, enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of our workflow.
