3.1 Conceptual Modelling
Essential Idea
A conceptual model originates in the mind and its primary purpose is to outline the principles, processes and basic functions of a design or system.
Nature and Aims of Design
Nature of design
Designers use conceptual modelling to assist their understanding by simulating the subject matter they represent. Designers should consider systems, services and products in relation to what they should do, how they should behave, what they look like and whether they will be understood by the users in the manner intended.
Aims
Aim 7: The starting point for solving a problem springs from an idea developed in the mind. A detailed exploration of the idea is vital to take it from the intangible to the tangible, along with the ability to articulate the idea to others.
Guidance
As a student of Design Technology, you should:
Understand that conceptual models are used to communicate with oneself and others
Understand that conceptual models vary in relation to the context; You should select the appropriate concept model(s) to match the context
Understand how the designer visualizes concepts, design thinking and learning, and use concept models to further inquiry into a design context
Understand and list the advantages and disadvantages of using conceptual modelling
Concepts and principles
Conceptual models are descriptions or representations of an idea or system. They communicate what a proposed design might look like or what it might do.
Conceptual models are also used to explore possibilities and options. In this way they are also a type of research. Through doing this research, designers can confirm how well a design concept meets specifications, gather user feedback, and improve the overall chances of success for the product.
Perhaps most importantly, designers use concept models to explore. Concept models can be used to "get ideas out of the head" and into a form that can be explored and communicated to others.
Types of Models
Designers will choose different types of concept models depending on the context and type of communication desired. Concept models can be in different formats, each with different purposes, materials, and communication goals.
Graphical models
Forms: 2D drawings, diagrams, and sketches
Physical Models
Forms: clay, cardboard, rapid prototype (eg. 3D printed), other physical materials
CAD models
Form: Computer-aided design
Advantages and disadvantages of concept models
Advantages
allow the client to provide input
designers can explore possibilities without the limitation of producing a working prototype (i.e. lower cost and time)
reduce development costs by reducing errors in the production
examine proof of concept to confirm that parts will fit together, components will move, etc.
communicate the function of the design
communicate the aesthetics of the design
test materials or production methods
gather feedback from users, clients, and design team
can be used in user trials
Disadvantages
simple concept models may leave out or miss important details
may not represent the final product
materials in the model may not easily or accurately represent the materials used in the final design
scaled models may not communicate proportions
durability of the concept model may not allow it to be used repeatedly (or at all) in user trials
For designers, the primary consideration when using concept models is to understand that they are not an 100% accurate representation of the final product or the design contexts. Designers need to carefully consider assumptions they make about the user and design context that are based on concept models.
When making a concept model, designers will decide (consciously or unconsciously) how much detail to include, and which aspects of the world to include.
