Workflow Perceptions in the VFX Industry: Maya, Blender, C4D

Software used in the visual effects (VFX) industry can be historically traced to the rapidly expanding needs of filmmakers. This primordial need for functionality is still felt in the user interface and workflows of modern software offerings based on older codebases. Furthermore, competing providers are not keen to develop workflows that impede the adoption of their software. This study characterized a user base perception of ideal workflow qualities in three software used for visual effects. The researchers surveyed 36 targeted user sentiments with an expert evaluation of the software’s workflow qualities via the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP). Findings showed that the eight visual effects software influencing their usage were arranged as follows: robustness (42.30%), transition gain (16.40%), awareness and understanding (12%), skill retention (10.40%), practical functionality (7.30%), transition time (5.30%), flexibility (4%), and task flow (2.30%). Furthermore, Blender (53.2%) was seen to be the most preferred visual effect workflow, followed by C4D (40.2%), and lastly Maya (6.60%). These results aimed to contribute to the development of such software by paving the way for stakeholders to maximize the metrics discussed herein.