Designing Objects

Communication Needs

Examples of design projects that fall under 'Objects'

Product Design & Development
Industrial Design
Furniture Design
Packaging Design
Consumer Electronics
Medical Device Design
Automotive Design
Toy & Game Design
Jewelry & Accessory Design
Kitchen & Household Products
Sports Equipment Design
Sustainable Product Solutions

Conventions

The characteristics, methods, or structures expected of designers when creating Objects.

orm and Function Integration: Designers must balance aesthetic appeal with functional performance. Objects should fulfill their intended purpose while being visually appropriate for their context and users.
User-Centered Design: Understanding human factors, ergonomics, and user behavior is crucial. Designers consider how users interact with objects physically, emotionally, and cognitively.
Material Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of material properties, manufacturing processes, and sustainability considerations. Material choice affects durability, cost, environmental impact, and user experience.
Manufacturing Constraints: Designers work within production limitations including tooling costs, assembly methods, quality control, and scalability for mass production.
Safety and Standards: Compliance with relevant safety regulations, industry standards, and certification requirements. Products must meet legal and ethical obligations.
Market Considerations: Understanding target demographics, price points, competition, and market positioning. Design decisions must align with commercial viability.
Lifecycle Thinking: Considering the entire product lifecycle from raw materials through disposal. This includes durability, repairability, and end-of-life considerations.
Aesthetic Coherence: Visual elements should work harmoniously to create a cohesive design language that communicates brand values and product functionality.
Innovation Balance: Balancing innovative features with user familiarity. Products should advance functionality while remaining intuitive to use.
Cultural Sensitivity: Designs should be appropriate for their intended cultural context and avoid offensive or exclusionary elements.
Environmental Responsibility: Minimizing environmental impact through material selection, energy efficiency, packaging reduction, and sustainable manufacturing processes.

Methods

The ways that designers create and deliver designs in this field

Sketching and Ideation: Quick conceptual sketches, thumbnail explorations, and detailed technical drawings to explore and communicate ideas.

Technical Drawing: Orthographic projections, sectional views, exploded diagrams, and dimensioned drawings for manufacturing specification.

3D Modeling: Digital modeling using CAD software (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Rhino) for precise geometry and engineering analysis.

Prototyping: Creating physical models at various stages:

Foam core and cardboard concept models
3D printed functional prototypes
CNC machined precision parts
Final appearance models

Material Testing: Physical testing of materials for durability, performance, and user interaction qualities.

User Testing: Observing real users interact with prototypes to identify usability issues and improvement opportunities.

Technical Documentation: Creating detailed specifications, assembly instructions, and manufacturing drawings.

Digital Rendering: Photorealistic visualizations showing products in context, demonstrating materials, finishes, and lighting.

Exploded Views: Technical illustrations showing how components fit together, useful for assembly and maintenance.

Packaging Design: Developing protective and promotional packaging that reflects brand values and ensures product safety.

Sustainability Analysis: Lifecycle assessment, material impact studies, and circular design strategies.

Manufacturing Planning: Tooling design, production process optimization, and quality control procedures.

Context

Where and how designers work in this field

Designers working in this field will work in a range of contexts. These can include:

Design Consultancies: Specialized product design studios serving multiple clients across various industries and product categories.
In-House Design Teams: Corporate design departments within manufacturing companies, developing products aligned with brand strategy and business goals.
Manufacturing Facilities: On-site collaboration with engineers and production teams to resolve design and manufacturing challenges.
Research and Development Labs: Innovation-focused environments exploring emerging technologies and future product possibilities.
Startup Environments: Entrepreneurial contexts where designers wear multiple hats, from concept development to market launch.
Academic Institutions: Teaching and research environments focusing on design theory, methodology, and experimental approaches.

VISUALISING OBJECTS

Orthographic Projection: Standard views (front, side, top) showing precise dimensions and relationships between elements.

Isometric Drawing: 3D representation maintaining proportional relationships, useful for showing overall form and assembly.

1 Point Perspective Drawing: Realistic viewpoint showing products as they appear to the human eye, often used for presentations.

2 Point Perspective Drawing: Realistic viewpoint showing products as they appear to the human eye, often used for presentations.

Sectional Views: Cut-through drawings revealing internal structure, mechanisms, and material thickness.

Isometric

Exploded Views: Components separated along assembly axes to show relationships and construction methods.

3D Digital Design

CAD Modeling: Precise digital models used for engineering analysis, manufacturing preparation, and design iteration.

Rendering: Photorealistic images showing materials, lighting, and context to communicate design intent.

Animation: Motion graphics showing product functionality, assembly sequences, or user interaction.

Virtual Reality: Immersive experiences allowing users to interact with products before physical production.

Low-Fidelity Prototypes

Foam Core Models: Quick volume studies and proportion exploration
Cardboard Mockups: Basic form and size validation
Clay Models: Sculptural form development and refinement

Low-Fidelity Prototypes

Foam Core Models: Quick volume studies and proportion exploration
Cardboard Mockups: Basic form and size validation
Clay Models: Sculptural form development and refinement

Low-Fidelity Prototypes

Foam Core Models: Quick volume studies and proportion exploration
Cardboard Mockups: Basic form and size validation
Clay Models: Sculptural form development and refinement

High-Fidelity Prototypes

3D Printed Models: Precise geometry testing and functional validation
CNC Machined Parts: Production-quality components for testing
Appearance Models: Final surface finish and aesthetic validation

High-Fidelity Prototypes

3D Printed Models: Precise geometry testing and functional validation
CNC Machined Parts: Production-quality components for testing
Appearance Models: Final surface finish and aesthetic validation

High-Fidelity Prototypes

3D Printed Models: Precise geometry testing and functional validation
CNC Machined Parts: Production-quality components for testing
Appearance Models: Final surface finish and aesthetic validation

Functional Prototypes

Working Mechanisms: Testing moving parts and user interactions
Electronic Integration: Validating technology integration
Material Testing: Durability and performance validation

Functional Prototypes

Working Mechanisms: Testing moving parts and user interactions
Electronic Integration: Validating technology integration
Material Testing: Durability and performance validation

TOOLS & MATERIALS FOR 3D Modelling in Environments - View many additional examples on Pinterest here

Physical Materials:

Cardboard (various thicknesses)
Foam board
Balsa wood
Basswood
Plywood
Acrylic sheets
Cork
Styrofoam
Clay (air-dry or polymer)
Paper (various types and weights)
Acetate sheets
Wire (various gauges)
String or thread
Fabric
Pebbles or small stones
Twigs or small branches
Aluminium foil

Tools:
Cutting mat
X-Acto knife or craft knife
Scissors
Ruler
T-square
Compass
Tweezers
Sandpaper

Colouring and Finishing Materials:
Acrylic paint
Spray paint
Markers (various types)
Coloured pencils
Pastels
Varnish or sealant

Adhesives and Fasteners:
PVA glue
Super glue
Hot glue
Double-sided tape
Pins and needles
Staples
Velcro
CAD Modeling Methods:
SketchUp
Revit
Rhino
Blender (open-source)
Fusion 360
TinkerCAD
Illustrator

3D Printing Materials:
PLA (Polylactic Acid)

Laser Cut Materials:
Plywood: 3mm or 6mm
Acrylic

CASE STUDIES

Case Studies - Product Designers

Dieter Rams - Braun Design Philosophy

Iconic German industrial designer known for "Ten Principles of Good Design" emphasizing simplicity, functionality, and timeless aesthetics. His work with Braun established principles still influential in contemporary product design.

Jonathan Ive - Apple Design Language

Former Chief Design Officer at Apple, instrumental in developing the design language for iPhone, iPad, and other revolutionary consumer electronics that redefined user expectations.

Karim Rashid - Expressive Modernism

Contemporary designer known for fluid, organic forms and bold use of color in furniture, lighting, and consumer products.

Patricia Urquiola - Furniture Innovation

Spanish designer known for experimental approaches to furniture design, combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary manufacturing techniques.

TECHNICAL DRAWING FOR OBJECTS

Technical Drawing for Objects

Standard Drawing Types

General Assembly Drawing: Overall product view showing how all components fit together, typically including dimensions and material specifications.

Detail Drawings: Focused views of specific components or features requiring precise manufacturing information.

Manufacturing Drawings: Technical specifications for production including tolerances, surface finishes, and assembly instructions.

Drawing Conventions

Line Weights: Different line thicknesses indicating:

Heavy lines for visible edges
Medium lines for hidden edges (dashed)
Light lines for construction and dimension lines

Dimensioning: Accurate measurement notation including:

Overall dimensions
Critical functional dimensions
Material thickness specifications
Tolerance requirements

Symbols and Annotations: Standard symbols for:

Material specifications
Surface finish requirements
Geometric tolerances
Assembly notes

Scaling for Objects

Standard Scales for Product Design:

Detail drawings: 1:1, 2:1, 5:1 (actual size or enlarged)
General assembly: 1:2, 1:5, 1:10 (reduced size)
Large products: 1:20, 1:50 (significantly reduced)

Digital File Management: Maintaining accurate scale relationships between design files and manufacturing specifications.

Materials and Manufacturing

Common Materials

Plastics:

Thermoplastics (injection molding, thermoforming)
Thermosets (compression molding, casting)
Advanced composites (carbon fiber, fiberglass)

Metals:

Aluminum (extrusion, machining, casting)
Steel (stamping, welding, forming)
Stainless steel (corrosion resistance)

Wood and Natural Materials:

Solid wood (traditional and CNC machining)
Engineered wood products (plywood, MDF)
Sustainable alternatives (bamboo, cork)

Advanced Materials:

Smart materials (shape memory alloys)
Biodegradable plastics
Recycled and upcycled materials

Manufacturing Processes

Injection Molding: High-volume plastic production with complex geometries and consistent quality.

CNC Machining: Precise material removal for metal and plastic components requiring tight tolerances.

3D Printing: Additive manufacturing for prototypes, small batches, and complex geometries.

Sheet Metal Forming: Bending, stamping, and cutting processes for metal enclosures and structures.

Assembly Methods: Mechanical fasteners, adhesives, welding, and snap-fit connections.

Sustainability in Product Design

Design for Environment

Material Selection: Choosing materials based on:

Renewable resource content
Recyclability at end-of-life
Manufacturing energy requirements
Transportation impact

Design for Disassembly: Creating products that can be easily taken apart for repair, upgrade, or recycling.

Durability and Longevity: Designing products to last longer, reducing replacement frequency and resource consumption.

Energy Efficiency: Optimizing products for minimal energy consumption during use phase.

Circular Design Principles

Design for Reuse: Components designed for multiple product lifecycles.

Design for Recycling: Material choices and construction methods that facilitate recycling processes.

Design for Repair: Accessible components and clear repair instructions to extend product life.

Modular Design: Interchangeable components allowing for customization and easy replacement.

Tools and Materials for Product Design

Digital Tools

CAD Software: SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Rhino, KeyShot
Rendering Software: KeyShot, V-Ray, Blender
2D Graphics: Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch

Physical Prototyping Materials

Foam: High-density foam for quick volume studies
Cardboard: Corrugated and chipboard for structural mockups
3D Printing Filaments: PLA, ABS, PETG for functional testing
Modeling Clay: Oil-based and polymer clays for form development
Wood: Balsa, pine, hardwoods for structural prototypes

Workshop Tools

Hand Tools: Craft knives, rulers, cutting mats, sandpaper
Power Tools: Hot glue guns, rotary tools, scroll saws
Measuring Tools: Calipers, rulers, measuring tapes
Safety Equipment: Safety glasses, dust masks, ventilation

Digital Fabrication

3D Printers: FDM and SLA technologies for different prototype needs
Laser Cutters: For precise cuts in sheet materials
CNC Mills: For machining metal and plastic components
Electronics: Arduino, sensors, actuators for interactive prototypes

CHECKLIST FOR AN ACCURATE TECHNICAL DRAWING

Pre-Drawing Preparation:
□ Define drawing purpose and type
□ Gather all necessary information and measurements
□ Choose the appropriate scale
□ Select drawing medium (hand or CAD)
□ Prepare drawing surface/set up digital workspace

Basic Setup:
□ Create a title block with project info, scale, and date
□ Set up a grid or guidelines
□ Establish north arrow (for plans)
□ Include scale bar

Main Elements:
□ Draw/plot the largest elements first
□ Ensure all elements are to scale
□ Use consistent line weights
□ Include all necessary walls, doors, windows (for plans)
□ Show correct wall thicknesses

Details and Features:
□ Add fixtures and fittings
□ Include relevant site features (for site plans)
□ Show material indications (for elevations)
□ Draw in furnishings (if required)

Dimensions and Annotations:
□ Add primary dimensions
□ Include secondary dimensions
□ Note room names/numbers
□ Add relevant annotations and notes
□ Ensure text is readable and consistently sized

Technical Elements:
□ Include grid lines or axis (if applicable)
□ Show structural elements (if required)
□ Indicate levels and heights
□ Add section cut lines (if applicable)

Symbols and Conventions:
□ Use standard architectural symbols
□ Include door and window schedules
□ Create legend for symbols and abbreviations

Layers/Organization:
□ Organize elements into logical layers (for CAD)
□ Use consistent naming conventions for layers

Additional Information:
□ Include relevant cross-references to other drawings
□ Add detail call-outs where necessary
□ Show context/adjacent structures (if relevant)

Accuracy and Consistency:
□ Double-check all measurements and scales
□ Ensure consistency across multiple drawings
□ Verify all elements are present and correctly placed

Presentation:
□ Adjust line weights for clarity
□ Ensure the drawing is well-balanced on the sheet
□ Add shading or hatching for clarity (if needed)

Final Checks:
□ Proofread all text and annotations
□ Verify scale accuracy with the scale bar
□ Check alignment and symmetry where applicable
□ Ensure drawing meets project requirements and standards

For Digital Drawings:
□ Set up correct plot style/print settings
□ Test print to verify scale and appearance

Documentation:
□ Update drawing register/index
□ Save files with logical naming convention
□ Create backup copies

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES