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Why 3D creation is a route into tech for girls
3D creation skills are rapidly becoming essential in the tech industry. As the metaverse takes shape in various social and industrial contexts, it’s more important than ever to ensure that women are actively involved in designing and developing these virtual worlds for both work and play.
The Growing Role of 3D Creation in Tech
Tools like Unity and Unreal Engine, originally popularized through game development and interactive entertainment, are now transforming industries such as virtual film production and architecture. Beyond these, specialized tools such as Nvidia Omniverse, SolidWorks (engineering), Cesium (geospatial), Blender (3D modeling and animation), and CLO3D (fashion design) are driving innovation in their respective fields. This expanding landscape means that there are countless opportunities in 3D creation—career paths that many young people, especially girls, might not yet be aware of.
Why Early Engagement Matters
The recent SCARI Computing report highlights that the strongest reasons for girls choosing computer science GCSE are related to keeping future options open and career relevance, followed by enjoyment and creativity. Conversely, girls who did not choose computer science cited a lack of enjoyment and a perceived irrelevance to their future careers. Clearly, if we want more women in tech, we must provide early, engaging opportunities that blend engagement with practical, career-focused skills.
3D Creation: A Gateway to Tech Skills
Young people are already familiar with 3D environments through the games and social experiences they enjoy. High percentages of girls enjoy certain kinds of 3D experience including role playing games, cozy games, family simulations, fashion and creative experiences. By tapping into this familiarity, we can introduce 3D creation as an accessible and exciting way to create with tech and develop interests and skills for the future.
Introducing Flock XR: A Tool for Everyone
At Flip Computing, we want to give young people the opportunity, and a safe environment, to create interactive experiences that are relevant to them. That’s why we’re developing Flock XR, a free, open source 3D creation tool that uses drag-and-drop coding. Designed with an inclusion-first approach, Flock XR is for young creators (primarily aged 9-14, though adaptable for other ages) who are motivated by what they already love.
Flock XR is currently in early access, and we’re excited to be piloting it in secondary schools. We invite educators, parents, tech enthusiasts, and anyone passionate about creativity and inclusion to get involved.
Get Involved
We’d love to hear from you if you’d like to:
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Contribute to our open source project: Help shape the future of Flock XR.
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Share with your network: Connect us with teachers, parents, or coding clubs.
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Test Flock XR: Try it out with your own children or students and provide feedback.
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Support our work: Consider sponsoring development or a dedicated educational unit.
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Be part of our growing community: Sign up to our discord through our website and attend our monthly meetups
Find out more at flockxr.com.
techUK’s TechTogether campaign, taking place throughout March, is a collection of activities highlighting the UK’s technology sector pursuit to shape a more equitable future. In 2025 we are exploring: Inclusive AI, investing in diverse founders and entrepreneurs, the power of allyship and mentorship, and empowering young people.
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Dr Tracy Gardner
Tracy is a tech industry expert with extensive knowledge of computing pedagogy and education. She is an advocate for social mobility and diversity in computing education and industry.