Design Communication

Unit Essential Idea – A physical model is a three-dimensional, tangible representation of a design or system. Designers use physical models to visualize information about the context that the model represents. It is very common for physical models of large objects to be scaled down and smaller objects scaled up for ease of visualization. The primary goal of physical modelling is to test aspects of a product against user requirements. Throrough testing at the design development stage ensures that an appropriate product is developed.

Unit Essential understanding –Physical modelling not only allows designers to explore and test their ideas, but to also present them to others. Engaging clients, focus groups and experts to interact with physical models of products allows designers to gain valuable feedback that enable them to improve the design and product-user interface.

1. Applications of physical models. Use of instrumented models to measure the level of a product’s performance andfacilitate ongoing formative evaluation and testing

2. Advantages and disadvantages of using physical models