Hi everyone,
I’m the Product Manager for the Parametric Model Maker. We’re constantly thinking about ways to empower you, our talented OpenSCAD creators, and improve the experience for users customizing your amazing parametric designs.
Currently, users configure your models using the standard parameter UI. This works well for many models, but we’re exploring an idea for more complex or interactive configurations.
The Idea: Custom Configuration Interfaces
We’re considering adding a feature that would allow you, the creator, to optionally provide a custom web application (built with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript) alongside your OpenSCAD script.
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How it would work (conceptually): Instead of (or in addition to) the standard parameter list, users interacting with your model on MakerWorld would see and use your custom web app interface. This interface would capture the necessary configuration inputs and then pass the final parameter values to your OpenSCAD script for rendering the model preview and final download.
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Inspiration: This idea is partly inspired by platforms allowing creators to build custom interfaces, such as Poe’s Canvas Apps for bots (https://creator.poe.com/docs/canvas-app-quick-start) - though our implementation would obviously be tailored specifically for 3D model configuration.
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Potential Benefits:
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Richer User Experience: Create more intuitive or visual ways to configure parameters (e.g., dragging points on a 2D schematic, using sliders with real-time visual feedback within the app, complex calculators).
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Better Guidance: Guide users through complex configurations more effectively than a simple list allows.
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Advanced Validation: Implement sophisticated input validation or dependency checks directly in the interface.
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Unique Interactions: Differentiate your model with a unique configuration experience tailored to its specific needs.
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We Need Your Feedback!
This is just an idea at this stage, and your input is crucial before we invest significant development effort. We’d love to know:
- What are your initial thoughts on this concept?
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Does this sound like something potentially valuable for your own parametric models, or for models you might use?
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Do you see benefits in creating custom UIs for certain types of OpenSCAD models? Which types?
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Would you potentially use this feature if it were available and well-implemented?
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What potential downsides or challenges do you foresee (e.g., complexity, security, maintenance)?
- Frontend Development Skills in the OpenSCAD Community:
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How comfortable are you personally with frontend web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)?
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Based on your interactions, do you think this skillset is common, somewhat niche, or rare among OpenSCAD creators?
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Would the need to potentially learn/use web development skills be a significant barrier for you or others to adopt such a feature?
We understand this would be an optional, advanced feature. The standard parameter list would absolutely remain the default and easiest way to publish parametric models. This new feature would be an extra tool for those who want to take their model’s user experience further.
Please share your thoughts, concerns, and excitement (or lack thereof!) in the replies below. Your feedback will directly shape whether and how we proceed with this idea.
Thanks for being an essential part of the MakerWorld community!