Common Problems with Objects

Given that virtual objects are, on the whole, intended to exhibit behaviors at the physics level that are consistent with reality, it might be expected that there are common problems that recur whenever some particular aspect or other of reality is considered. This is indeed the case: Some facets of reality are easy to implement and others are downright impossible. Many of these issues arise because what human beings think of as an “object” is actually just a conceptual entity. It works for naïve physics, but naïve physics doesn’t have to implement it.

There are conventions to solve some of these issues, but, as usual, it’s better if designers understand why a convention is in place rather than merely accept that it is in place. Who knows, you might well be able to provide a better solution if you understand the issues.

Let’s look at them, then.