Direct modelling (push/pull) such as SketchUP is very popular, intuitive & fun to use compared with some complex parametric modelling forms, these being the two basic approaches in CAD 3D modelling software. Direct modelling allows for intuitive, freeform manipulation of geometry, while parametric modelling mostly uses parameters such as input measurements to define & make changes to alter a model.
Direct modelling software if done well clearly has the attention of CAD users, given the vast amount of SketchUP users. This also seems to have influenced more high-end expensive software to introduce similar type direct modelling tools to some degree.
Although other standalone Direct modelling software came to market after SketchUP, it appears these haven’t done so well in terms of user numbers.
In this regard, we see Bricsys Shape will no longer be developed as a standalone product after V25 later this year & equally Autodesk’s standalone Formit-Pro is also being phased out with another replacement software called Forma.
Is SketchUP’s competition falling by the wayside, or did it ever exist ?
The trend seems to be moving towards more hybrid & intelligent approaches. The challenge lies in creating an underlying data structure that can simultaneously understand & manage both the explicit, push-pull nature of direct edits & the implicit, relationship-driven nature of parametric constraints, without compromising performance or stability.
Can the “Goldilocks principle” with Direct & Parametric Truly Coexist ?