Introducing “CDL”
“CDL” or “Commercial Driver’s License Training Simulation” is a client-funded virtual reality training program. This simulation is being funded by the Department of Transportation in Illinois. The D.O.T. in Illinois contacted the Envision Center at Purdue to help visualize, design, and create a custom training program that utilizes modern technology. The client aimed to lower repeated training costs and help engage the user more than typical training and education.
My role on the team developing “CDL” was a programmer. Our team consisted primarily of three developers-two programmers and one artist. As a result of the small team size, I worked on every aspect of the project. I spent most of the development time focusing on creating and debugging code. Anytime I didn’t spend on code was spent testing in virtual reality, preparing updates and demonstrations for the client, and planning future milestones for the team.
Unfortunately, I can’t show more of the project due to the privacy rights for the client. I am happy to answer any questions about functionality or other details you may be curious about. Feel free to reach out to me using the information I have on the website.
Realism Oriented
The focus of this simulation was to make a product that not only resembled real life but was able to replicate and replace classroom teaching. This project orientation remained our priority to reach our client’s wants. As a team, we understood the importance of creating a training program that serves a practical purpose and helps save the client money in the long term.
Knowing our focus was to remain on the realism and replacement of in-classroom teaching, we created interaction and art that reflected that goal inside the simulation. The truck is the focal point of the whole project and many interactions. To allow for the best understanding of the material and translation to the real world, the artist and the programmers worked together to model and iterate the external and internal components of the truck. These components needed to be detailed enough to translate the interaction to real trucks, but lightweight enough to run smoothly in VR.
What I learned through this project
This project represents what I am most capable of: taking an idea and want from a client and transforming it into something tangible. CDL taught me so much when it comes to industry versus simple classwork. I got to collaborate with peers and clients to form an awesome product that is functional and practical. I followed this product through the whole pipeline and got to witness all sorts of accomplishments and setbacks. I feel more capable than ever when developing in a team. Whether working for clients or on a passion project, CDL has given me the experience to take the blocks and start building to amazing heights.