2025 Volume 27 Issue 2 Pages 47-60
3D modeling software often presents challenges for beginners because of steep learning curves. To address these issues, we developed PhoneCanvas+, a 3D sketching system designed with low installation and learning costs. The system allows users to create lines and surfaces, as well as delete 3D sketches, through mid-air hand gestures above the smartphone. These gestures mimic everyday hand movements, such as holding a pen to draw lines or moving a hand sideways to create surfaces. We conducted a user study with 12 3D modeling beginners to evaluate PhoneCanvas+ in terms of sketch objects, time, and usability. Results showed that participants completed sketching tasks in about 1 minute with about 10 minutes of practice in a simplified setup.