In this paper, I will explore the innovative use of Virtual Reality (VR) and the powerful design tool, Gravity Sketch, to teach advanced CAD surfacing techniques with a focus on topology to a junior industrial design class of 12 students. Over the course of three diverse projects—a small consumer product, a vehicle design (interior and exterior) completed with a teammate, and a three-week personal project—students were introduced to complex design challenges requiring precision and creativity. Traditional CAD training relies on computer screens, which can limit spatial understanding and hands-on interaction with intricate 3D models. By integrating VR, students were able to step into their designs, manipulating and sculpting surfaces in real-time, enabling a deeper understanding of topology—particularly in terms of surface flow and continuity. This immersive, hands-on approach not only led to dramatic improvements in students’ technical skills but also fostered the development of a new industrial design process, one that is more intuitive and collaborative. The paper will highlight the significant leaps in both skill development and conceptual understanding observed in this cohort, demonstrating the transformative potential of VR in enhancing topology, design education, and industrial design processes.

Keywords: Industrial Design, Virtual Reality, Surfacing, CAD, Topology.