A new paper will be presented at the SIGGRAPH Asia conference in December that is the first to examine the geometric properties of highly coiled hair (mostly found in Black characters) and propose methods for replicating their unique visual properties. This is first time a paper on this topic has ever appeared at the conference in 51 years.
One of the key issues is the deficiency of algorithms. Numerous scholarly articles have been published over the past several decades proposing algorithms for hair, but the emphasis has primarily been on characteristics typically observed as straight or wavy hair. There is virtually no literature on algorithms designed for tightly curled hair (also known as Black hair).
Due to the lack of research on this front, many video games have had a strikingly limited set of character customization choices for those who have afro-textured hair for decades. In addition, this lack of research has limited the level of cultural storytelling in 3D animation regarding characters with afro- textured hair. This kind of research positively impacts many cultural storytelling projects such as the Urban Film Film Festival, Southern Documentary Fund, and the 1st Take Youth program. We can see many diverse communities benefitting from this innovative research.The research also would help us at Signify Creative as we work on many projects that require diverse storytelling.
Aside from the entertainment industry, medical industries and beauty industries could use this research to better depict afro-textured hair in their solutions for customers. This kind of research is long over due and we need more advocates championing these kinds of efforts. Shout outs to the researchers for trailblazing the research for future innovations. These kinds of ideas make our lives a little bit more inclusive.
The portrayal of hair in 3D is set to become more diverse. Learn more about the research and any other updates here.
