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Designers communicate their ideas to stakeholders through a variety of visual and physical representations. Drawings, physical prototypes, and CAD models provide effective means of conveying design concepts, gathering feedback, and refining the design process. FEA simulations and rapid prototyping techniques further enhance the ability of designers to analyze and iterate on their designs, ensuring that they meet the needs and expectations of the target audience.
Designers employ a diverse range of visual and physical representations to effectively communicate their ideas to stakeholders throughout the design process. These representations serve as important tools for explaining concepts, gathering feedback, and iteratively refining the design.
Drawings are a foundational means of communication, providing a 2D depiction of design concepts. Isometric, orthographic, assembly, and exploded views are among the common drawing types used to illustrate various aspects of a design. By studying these drawings, stakeholders can gain a clear understanding of the proposed form, function, and assembly of the product or system.
Physical prototypes play an important role in bridging the gap between abstract concepts and tangible reality. These three-dimensional representations can be developed at varying levels of fidelity, ranging from rough sketches to highly detailed models. By interacting with physical prototypes, stakeholders can experience the design firsthand, evaluate its ergonomics, aesthetics, and functionality, and provide valuable feedback that informs further development.
Computer-aided Design (CAD) enables designers to create, develop, and analyze designs digitally. CAD software allows for the creation of surface, solid, and virtual models, providing a comprehensive representation of the design's geometry, materials, and assembly. Stakeholders can virtually interact with CAD models, explore different design variations, and assess the feasibility of manufacturing and assembly.
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a powerful simulation tool that predicts how a part or assembly will behave under specific conditions. By analyzing the results of FEA simulations, designers can identify potential weaknesses, optimize the design for performance, and ensure that the product meets safety and durability requirements.
Rapid prototyping techniques enable designers to quickly create physical prototypes based on CAD models. These techniques, such as 3D printing and stereolithography, allow for the rapid fabrication of complex and intricate components, facilitating testing, evaluation, and iteration.
By strategically utilizing these communication tools, designers can effectively engage stakeholders, gather valuable insights, and refine their designs to meet the needs and expectations of the target audience.
디자이너는 디자인 프로세스 전반에 걸쳐 이해 관계자에게 아이디어를 효과적으로 전달하기 위해 다양한 시각적 및 물리적 표현을 사용합니다. 이러한 표현은 개념을 설명하고, 피드백을 수집하고, 디자인을 반복적으로 개선하기 위한 귀중한 도구로서 역할을 합니다.
도면은 의사 소통의 기초적인 수단으로서 디자인 개념의 2D 묘사를 제공합니다. 등각 투상도, 정면도, 조립도, 폭발도는 디자인의 다양한 측면을 설명하는 데 사용되는 일반적인 도면 유형 중 일부입니다. 이러한 도면을 연구함으로써 이해 관계자는 제안된 형태, 기능 및 제품 또는 시스템의 조립에 대한 명확한 이해를 얻을 수 있습니다.
물리적 프로토타입은 추상적인 개념과 유형적인 현실 사이의 간극을 메우는 데 중요한 역할을 합니다. 이러한 3D 표현은 대략적인 스케치에서부터 매우 상세한 모델에 이르기까지 다양한 충실도 수준으로 개발될 수 있습니다. 이해 관계자는 물리적 프로토타입과 상호 작용함으로써 디자인을 직접 경험하고, 인체 공학, 미학 및 기능성을 평가하고, 향후 개발에 대한 귀중한 피드백을 제공할 수 있습니다.
컴퓨터 지원 설계(CAD)는 디자이너가 디지털 방식으로 디자인을 생성, 개발 및 분석할 수 있도록 함으로써 디자인 프로세스에 혁명을 일으켰습니다. CAD 소프트웨어를 사용하면 표면, 솔리드 및 가상 모델을 생성할 수 있으며, 디자인의 형상, 재료 및 조립에 대한 포괄적인 표현을 제공합니다. 이해 관계자는 가상으로 CAD 모델과 상호 작용하고, 다양한 디자인 변형을 탐색하고, 제조 및 조립의 실현 가능성을 평가할 수 있습니다.
유한 요소 해석(FEA)은 특정 조건에서 부품 또는 어셈블리가 어떻게 작동할지 예측하는 강력한 시뮬레이션 도구입니다. FEA 시뮬레이션 결과를 분석함으로써 디자이너는 잠재적인 약점을 식별하고, 성능을 위해 디자인을 최적화하고, 제품이 안전 및 내구성 요구 사항을 충족하도록 할 수 있습니다.
빠른 프로토타이핑 기술은 CAD 모델을 기반으로 물리적 프로토타입을 신속하게 생성할 수 있도록 함으로써 설계 및 개발 주기를 크게 가속화했습니다. 3D 프린팅 및 스테레올리소그래피와 같은 이러한 기술은 복잡하고 정교한 구성 요소를 신속하게 제작할 수 있도록 하여 테스트, 평가 및 반복을 촉진합니다.
디자이너는 이러한 의사 소통 도구를 전략적으로 활용함으로써 이해 관계자를 효과적으로 참여시키고, 귀중한 통찰력을 얻고, 대상 고객의 요구와 기대를 충족하도록 디자인을 개선할 수 있습니다.
在整个设计过程中,设计师采用多种视觉和物理表现形式来有效地向利益相关者传达他们的想法。这些表现形式是解释概念、收集反馈和迭代改进设计的宝贵工具。
绘图提供了一种基本的交流方式,提供了设计概念的二维描述。等轴测图、正投影图、装配图和分解图是用于说明设计各个方面的常见绘图类型。通过研究这些图纸,利益相关者可以清楚地了解所提出的产品或系统的形式、功能和组装。
物理原型在弥合抽象概念和有形现实之间的差距方面发挥着关键作用。这些三维表示可以以不同的保真度级别开发,从粗略草图到高度详细的模型。通过与物理原型互动,利益相关者可以亲身体验设计,评估其人体工程学、美学和功能性,并提供有助于进一步发展的宝贵反馈。
计算机辅助设计 (CAD) 通过使设计师能够以数字方式创建、开发和分析设计,彻底改变了设计过程。CAD 软件允许创建表面、实体和虚拟模型,提供对设计几何形状、材料和装配的全面表示。利益相关者可以与 CAD 模型进行虚拟交互,探索不同的设计变体,并评估制造和装配的可行性。
有限元分析 (FEA) 是一种强大的模拟工具,可预测部件或组件在特定条件下的行为。通过分析 FEA 模拟的结果,设计师可以识别潜在的弱点,优化设计性能,并确保产品满足安全性和耐用性要求。
快速原型技术通过使设计师能够基于 CAD 模型快速创建物理原型,显着加速了设计和开发周期。诸如 3D 打印和立体光刻之类的技术允许快速制造复杂和精细的组件,促进测试、评估和迭代。
通过战略性地利用这些沟通工具,设计师可以有效地吸引利益相关者,收集有价值的见解,并改进他们的设计以满足目标受众的需求和期望。
Guidance: You should be able to construct and interpret 2D and 3D drawings, including isometric, orthographic projection, assembly and exploded drawings.
Drawings play an essential role in product and industrial design, serving as a universal language to communicate ideas, concepts, and technical details. The ability to construct and interpret various types of drawings is essential for designers to effectively communicate their vision and collaborate with others in the design process.
By mastering these various drawing techniques, product and industrial designers can effectively communicate their ideas, facilitate collaboration, and ensure that their designs can be accurately manufactured and assembled. These visual tools are essential for bridging the gap between concept and reality in the design process.
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Isometric drawings are a type of 3D representation that provides a clear view of an object from a specific angle. In product design, isometric drawings are particularly useful for:
Showcasing the overall form of a product
Illustrating the relationship between different components
Providing a visually appealing representation for presentations
For example, an industrial designer creating a new coffee maker might use an isometric drawing to show how the water reservoir, heating element, and filter holder fit together within the overall design.
Orthographic projection involves creating multiple 2D views of an object, typically showing the front, top, and side views3. This type of drawing is essential in product design for:
Providing precise measurements and dimensions
Detailing specific features and components
Creating manufacturing specifications
A furniture designer, for instance, might use orthographic projections to specify the exact dimensions and joinery details of a chair, ensuring that it can be accurately manufactured.
Assembly and exploded drawings are crucial for communicating how different parts of a product fit together:
Assembly Drawings
These show the final assembled product, often with numbered parts corresponding to a bill of materials. They are useful for:
Illustrating the overall structure of a complex product
Providing assembly instructions for manufacturers or end-users
Exploded Drawings
Exploded drawings separate and offset the individual components of a product, showing their spatial relationships. They are particularly valuable for:
Demonstrating how parts fit together during assembly
Highlighting the internal components of a product
Creating user manuals and assembly instructions
For example, an industrial designer working on a new power tool might create an exploded isometric drawing to show how the motor, gears, housing, and controls come together, making it easier for technicians to understand the product's construction and maintenance requirements.
Guidance: You should be able to construct and interpret aesthetic and functional prototypes at different levels of fidelity and scale.
Physical prototypes are essential tools in product and industrial design, serving as tangible representations of concepts that allow designers, stakeholders, and users to interact with and evaluate a product before it reaches its final form. These three-dimensional models provide important insights throughout the design process.
By constructing and interpreting prototypes at various levels of fidelity, functionality, and scale, designers can effectively communicate ideas, gather valuable feedback, and refine their designs throughout the development process. This skill helps create successful products that meet both aesthetic and functional requirements while satisfying user needs and expectations.
These examples show the development of the various levels of prototypes for the OXO GoodGrips vegetable peeler. Check out the full case study here
Low-Fidelity Prototypes
Low-fidelity prototypes are quick, rough representations of a product concept. They are useful for:
Rapid ideation and concept exploration
Early-stage user testing and feedback gathering
Cost-effective iteration of design ideas
Example: A product designer developing a new smartphone might create a low-fidelity prototype using cardboard and paper to explore different form factors and button placements. This allows for quick adjustments and helps validate basic ergonomic concepts before investing in more detailed prototypes.
Medium-Fidelity Prototypes
Medium-fidelity prototypes offer more detail and functionality than low-fidelity versions but are still not fully refined. They are valuable for:
Testing specific features or interactions
Presenting more developed concepts to stakeholders
Identifying potential manufacturing or assembly issues
Example: An industrial designer working on a new coffee grinder might 3D print a medium-fidelity prototype that includes moving parts and basic controls. This allows for testing of the grinding mechanism and user interface without the need for final materials or finishes.
High-Fidelity Prototypes
High-fidelity prototypes closely resemble the final product in appearance, materials, and functionality. They are crucial for:
Final user testing and validation
Demonstrating the product to potential investors or clients
Identifying any last-minute design issues before production
Example: A designer creating a new electric bicycle might develop a high-fidelity prototype using actual components, finalized materials, and working electronics. This allows for comprehensive testing of the bike's performance, durability, and user experience in real-world conditions.
Guidance: You should be able to construct and interpret surface, solid and virtual models.
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is a powerful tool for creating, developing, and analyzing design outcomes with unprecedented precision and efficiency. CAD software enables designers to work in virtual environments, creating detailed digital representations of their ideas that can be easily modified, shared, and translated into physical prototypes or final products.
Depending on their purpose or application, CAD models can take different forms:
Surface modeling focuses on creating the exterior shell or skin of an object. It is particularly useful for:
Designing complex, organic shapes
Creating aesthetically pleasing product exteriors
Developing aerodynamic or hydrodynamic forms
Example: An automotive designer might use surface modeling to create the sleek, curved exterior of a new sports car. This allows for precise control over the vehicle's aesthetics and aerodynamics, enabling the designer to create smooth transitions between different parts of the body and optimize the overall form for both visual appeal and performance.
Solid modeling involves creating three-dimensional representations with defined volume and mass. This approach is valuable for:
Designing mechanical parts and assemblies
Calculating physical properties like weight and center of gravity
Preparing models for 3D printing or CNC machining
Example: An industrial designer working on a new power tool might use solid modeling to create each component of the tool's internal mechanism. This allows for precise fitting of parts, analysis of structural integrity, and the ability to simulate the assembly process before any physical prototypes are made.
Virtual models combine aspects of both surface and solid modeling to create comprehensive digital representations of products. These models are useful for:
Creating photorealistic renderings for presentations
Simulating product functionality and user interactions
Conducting virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) experiences
Example: An architect migh us AR technologies to explore how different design elements look in a space. In the example above, outdoor seating and lighting can be modeled and shown in the real space.
Guidance: You should be able to interpret the output from FEA.
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a powerful computational tool that has become an integral part of the product and industrial design process. This simulation technique allows designers and engineers to predict how a product or component will behave under various conditions, without the need for extensive physical prototyping. Understanding FEA and being able to interpret its output is crucial for making informed design decisions and optimizing product performance.
FEA breaks down complex structures into smaller, manageable elements, allowing for detailed analysis of stress, strain, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and other physical phenomena. This capability is invaluable in product and industrial design for several reasons:
Risk Reduction: By simulating product performance before physical prototyping, designers can identify and address potential failures early in the development process.
Design Optimization: Designers can quickly iterate and refine their designs based on FEA results, leading to more efficient and effective products.
Performance Prediction: FEA allows designers to predict how products will perform under conditions that might be difficult or dangerous to test physically.
Cost Efficiency: FEA reduces the need for multiple physical prototypes, saving time and materials.
The ability to interpret FEA output is important for leveraging this tool effectively in the design process. Here are key aspects of FEA interpretation:
FEA software typically provides color-coded visual representations of analysis results. Designers should to understand:
Color scales: Usually, red indicates areas of high stress or temperature, while blue represents lower values.
Deformation plots: These show how a part might bend or twist under load.
Contour lines: These indicate areas of equal stress or other measured quantities.
Example: In designing a new lightweight bicycle frame, a designer might analyze an FEA output showing stress distribution under various riding conditions. Red areas might indicate high-stress concentrations where the frame needs reinforcement, while blue areas might suggest opportunities for material reduction to save weight.
This example shows how FEA us used to model the stresses on a bicycle frame.
Beyond visual representations, FEA provides numerical data that requires interpretation:
Maximum and minimum values: Understanding the peak stresses or temperatures in a design.
Safety factors: Comparing calculated stresses to material yield strengths.
Displacement values: Assessing how much a part might deform under load.
Example: When analyzing the FEA results for a new smartphone case design, a product designer might need to interpret the maximum stress values to ensure they're well below the yield strength of the chosen material, guaranteeing the case can protect the phone from typical drop scenarios.
Guidance: You should be able to construct and interpret CAD models suitable for rapid prototyping.
The rapid advancement of rapid prototyping technologies has transformed product and industrial design. Using these technologies, designers can create complex, functional prototypes quickly and efficiently, allowing for more iterative design processes and thorough testing before final production.
Rapid prototyping, often referred to as 3D printing or additive manufacturing, offers several advantages in the design process:
Speed: Complex parts can be produced in hours or days, rather than weeks or months.
Complexity: Intricate geometries that would be difficult or impossible to create with traditional manufacturing methods can be easily produced.
Cost-effectiveness: For small quantities, rapid prototyping is often more economical than traditional manufacturing methods.
Iteration: Designers can quickly test and refine multiple versions of a design.
Guidance: You should be able to select and use appropriate drawings, physical prototypes and CAD models to gather relevant data and feedback, which can be used to analyse and develop the design iteratively.
Prototypes are created to gather data and feedback from potential users and clients. These tools ares essential to the iterative design process in product and industrial design.
User-centered design and the value of real-world testing, through the use of prototypes, helps in refining and improving concepts for product. In this regard, designers should select and use various types of prototypes - drawings, physical prototypes, and CAD models - to effectively collect relevant information and drive the design process forward.
By effectively selecting and using appropriate drawings, physical prototypes, and CAD models to gather relevant data and feedback, designers can ensure that their design process is truly user-centered and iterative. This approach leads to products that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, user-friendly, and match with client expectations.
Drawings are useful for:
Early concept validation
Communicating basic ideas quickly
Gathering feedback on visual aesthetics
Example: A designer developing a new line of kitchen utensils might use quick sketches to get initial feedback on handle shapes and overall tool proportions from potential users.
Physical prototypes are valuable for:
Ergonomic and tactile feedback
Testing functionality in real-world conditions
Gathering user interaction data
Example: For a new smartphone design, a series of physical prototypes with varying sizes and button placements could be used to collect user preferences on comfort and ease of use.
CAD models are effective for:
Presenting detailed visual representations
Virtual testing and simulation
Gathering feedback on complex internal structures or mechanisms
Example: An industrial designer working on a new power tool might use CAD models to present different internal component layouts to engineering teams for feedback on manufacturability and performance.
List linking questions
Linking questions are questions that help you connect different parts of your design technology studies. They can show how ideas and skills are related to each other.
Linking questions can help you:
Understand the big picture: See how different parts of design technology fit together.
Learn more: Connect new information to what you already know.
Show your knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of design technology in a deeper way.
Connect subtopics: Find relationships between different parts of the course
Use your skills: Show how you can apply design technology skills in different areas.
Think about the nature of design technology: Consider the big ideas and principles that guide design technology.
Apply to the real world: See how design technology can be used in real-life situations.
Citations
Bryden, Douglas. CAD and Rapid Prototyping for Product Design. London, Laurence King Publishing, 2014.
Burry, Mark, and Jane Burry. Prototyping for Architects. London Thames & Hudson, 2017.
Henry, Kevin. Drawing for Product Designers. London, Laurence King, 2014.
Koos Eissen. SKETCHING : Drawing Techniques for Product Designers. S.L., Bis Publishers, 2019.
Laura Berens Baker. Laser Cutting for Fashion and Textiles. London, Laurence King Publishing, 2016.
Terstiege, Gerrit. The Making of Design. Basel, Birkhũser, 2009.
Thompson, Rob. Prototyping and Low-Volume Production. London, Thames & Hudson, 2011.