Introduction

When we decided to examine real world body size in comparison to perceived body size, we identified five characteristics that our manipulated figure would need to possess. First the figure needed to be three-dimensional. Bodies exist in space and have volume, thus a flat two-dimensional figure would not suffice. We needed the ability to have flexibility with our measurement choices. Many of the options available were limited in what could be changed. We needed a program that would allow participants to manipulate the figure in real time. Finally, the figure created needed to have measurements that were convertible to real world measurements.

Needed Mechanisms

We decided to choose DAZ3D because of the flexibility and overall working capacity of the program compared to other options (e.g., Fantamorph, Body Visualizer). It is cost effective, considering that the basic program itself is free; the majority of other programs with the capabilities that DAZ3D has cost upwards of $300. DAZ3D also did not display real world measurements, thus participants did not see any measurement data while manipulating the avatar. Offering both superior flexibility and usability, DAZ3D is the best choice for avatar creation and manipulation and it is cost effective. However, getting DAZ3D to a workable state where an avatar can be readily manipulated is challenging. Thus, we have made a step-by-step guide to a working human avatar.

Installation

DAZ3D is available at After completing the directions to register, go to both the DAZ Install Manager and theDAZ Studio 4.9Pro. You will need to install the Install Manager before downloading DAZ Studio Pro, as the Studio is installed through the manager automatically as long as the .exe file is run.

To have full manipulation capacity for the virtual avatar two plugins are required; and Because our experiment is female only, we will only use the female variants of certain items, but the male variant of the body morph add on is available as well. After purchase the add-ons will automatically show up in the install manager (programs are tied to the registered account).Once these items are installed you will need to activate them. To do this, go to and select “Serial Numbers.” This will give you the serial numbers for each add-onpurchased. To use the add-ons, open DAZ3D and go to the top of the page, clicking the help tab. Select “about installed plugins” from the drop down menu. The list of items will have mostly green wrenches next to them. Some items, namely the items just bought, will have a grey wrench beside it and a box under the registration section. This box is where the serial code is entered. Find the sections for the first installed plugin on this page then pastedthe serial number in to the box corresponding to that plugin. Repeat this process for the remaining plugins.

Setting Up

To use the program, open a new scene in DAZ3D (double click the application and it will happen automatically). On the left, slick the figure tab. Double click on the figure icon titled Genesis 3 Female to load it into the Studio. On the right hand side of the page you will see tabs, click on the parameters tab. Then click to select an item drop down menu and choose Genesis 2 female. Click “all” and then sliders will appear on the right side. These sliders are used to manipulate the avatar, however for our purposes only a small amount of these sliders are needed. Too see needed sliders please see Table X.

Table X

Body Size / Height / Weight / Glutes Size / Hip Bone Size
Low Hip Circumference / Calves Size / Legs Length / Shins Size / Thighs Size
Forearms Size / Shoulders Size / Shoulders Width / Upper Arms Size / Chest Depth
Chest Scale / Chest Width / Bust Circumference / Under Bust Circumference / Torso Length
Lats Size / Love Handles / Stomach Depth / Stomach Lower Depth / Stomach Soften
Waist Width / Waist Circumference

We transferred the preferred sliders to the favorites menu. To do this, click the heart icon on the section for each category. This will select it to “favorites”, which is separated from the rest of the sliders. In the “favorites” section you will find all of the sliders you have selected with a heart, Choose the sliders you want the participant to manipulate. Once you have chosen all the sliders and created your favorites folder the avatar is readyto manipulate.

Putting Clothes On

We decided that to make this figure more appeasable to others, we have decided it is necessary to put clothes on the figure. We are using the sports bra and shorts that come with the figure. Before putting this on the figure, make sure your figure is selected. Above “all” it should say Genesis 3 Figure. Then, we went to wardrobe on the left side. Double click the Basic Wear icon. To change the color of the clothes, you must go back to the right side where it said Genesis 2 Figure. Click the drop down menu, and select the top by hitting the arrow to the left of “Genesis 2 Figure.” Select top. Then go to the left side, and select materials. This will show you the different colors you can select for your top and shorts. Select the Genesis 2 Figure and click the favorite’s tab. The avatar is now clothed, and may be manipulated by participants or researchers alike.