Creative Process Journal

Dissertation

My dissertation research explores the potential of using NFTs and the Metaverse to bridge the gap between physical and digital collectibles. The concept of Phygital collectibles are created by 3D scanning a physical collectible to produce a digital NFT counterpart on the blockchain. This gives sellers and buyers the best of both worlds, allowing them to connect with tangible artefacts while still having the convenience and accessibility of the digital counterpart. The Phygital relationship opens up opportunities for a worldwide audience to view and purchase the digital asset in a 3D space, creating a globalized digital metaverse marketplace. This has the potential to benefit both buyers and sellers by increasing accessibility, broadening reach, and giving a new degree of engagement and interaction with collectibles. By combining the physical and digital assets, Phygital collectibles provide a unique and innovative way to enrich the traditional collectibles market. As the world becomes increasingly digital, Phygital collectibles have the potential to change the business and open up new avenues for collectors, enthusiasts, and investors alike.

Self-directed learning

The self-directed learning includes experimenting with different software and implementing user testing provides a clearer overview of 3D scanning and creating a virtual world. Gaining a first-hand understanding of the pros and cons of different programs with the intent on finding a balance between creating high-quality models while maximising convenience and ease of user adoption gives the best vantage point to create a feasible and easy to use product.This discussion explores a four-step self-directed learning process and two developmental stages of the prototype, which runs through the digitisation of physical collectibles and creating a metaverse environment to display them.

3D scanning program analysis

For this analysis, I posed questions to myself which led to experimentation with different programs. Based on the result, more questions arise, leading to further experimentation. The culmination of this process led me to the program most suitable for this project. The following table showcases the pros and cons of the different 3D scanning programmes tested. After evaluating various options, the best results were boiled down to “Qlone” and “AI”. “AI” provided the most accurate results but is not beginner-friendly, requiring specialised hardware to process. In contrast, “Qlone” was more user-friendly as it is an app that can be downloaded on a phone. Coupled with a straightforward process and an AR dome that guides the user, it led to a more accurate result compared to other 3D scanning apps. The use of different scanning mats with varying ranges for scanning objects of different sizes made it easier to capture objects of specific sizes accurately. As the goal is to scan small collectibles, “Qlone” was the best option for its accuracy, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness. It required less post-processing time and effort, and scanning in an optimised environment can further improve accuracy.

Game engines program analysis

Game engine software was used to create the virtual marketplace. The following table showcases the pros and cons of the different game engine program tested. After evaluating various programs, the two best results were “Spatial” and “Unity”. “Spatial” had a public server that is easily accessible online, featuring a beginner-friendly interface without the requirement of coding skills. However, it hosted limited features and does not allow for editing of 3D assets or changing of character behavior. “Unity”, however, offered a wide range of advanced tools for customisation, including the ability to alter character behavior and directly edit 3D assets. It also allows customised coding, necessary for creating in-game currency. Despite the steeper learning curve, “Unity” was chosen for this project due to its versatility and advanced capabilities.

Further research

The study is limited to self-experiments and user feedback due to the novelty of the topic and limited resources. 3D scans using mobile phones are convenient but have limited accuracy. Further investigation is needed to explore features for buying, selling, and trading Phygital assets in the Metaverse. A system will be created for secure and safe delivery of purchased assets, and a tracking device will be used to ensure safety. The Metaverse needs to be promoted to attract more players and offer a unique multiplayer experience. A team of experts is required to develop key functionalities, including marketing and logistics.