Topic 3: Modeling Flashcards
(28 cards)
Conceptual Models
descriptions or representations of an idea or system.
communicate what a proposed design might look like or what it might do. 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.
Graphical Models
Forms: 2D drawings, diagrams, and sketches
Physical Models
Forms: clay, cardboard, rapid prototype (eg. 3D printed), other physical materials
CAD models
CAD Models
Form: Computer-aided design
Advantages of concept models
- allow the client to provide input
- designers can explore possibilities without the limitation of producing a working prototype (i.e. lower 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 aesthetics/function of the design
- test materials or production methods
- gather feedback from users, clients, and design team
Disadvantages of concept models
- simple concept models may leave out or miss important details
- materials in the model may not easily or accurately represent the materials used in the final design
- scaled models may not communicate proportions
Sketching Drawings Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
- quick to create
- no specialized tools required
- easy to communicate with others
Disadvantages:
- no details
- may not accurately represent the final product
Orthographic Drawings
show the “side” of an object.
Features:
show the “side” of a product
accurate representation of form
Application:
used in planning drawings to communicate dimensions, form, and shape
Communicate detailed and accurate information for manufacturing
Orthographic Drawings Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
highly accurate
can be used to produce a product
clear communication with manufacturer
Disadvantages:
requires specialized CAD skills and equipment
clients may not easily understand the drawings
time-consuming to create
Isometric Drawings
Show the shape and form of an object.
Features:
do not have vanishing points
Application:
Used to communicate the overall form of a product
Isometric Drawings Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
shows overall view
easily understood by client and manufacturer
Disadvantages:
not accurate (missing details like dimensions; some sides not shown)
may not look like the finished product
Assembly drawings
show how an object may be assembled. They may be shown as an exploded isometric drawing. purpose is to communicate the sequence of assembling a project.
Assembly Drawings Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
easily understood by client and manufacturer
Disadvantages:
time consuming to produce
requires specialized CAD skills and equipment
Perspective Drawings
drawings showing an object as if viewed from a single point. often used in early planning stages to communicate what a design might look like.
Perspective Drawings Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
realistic looking
easily understood by client
Disadvantages:
time consuming to produce
not accurate (missing details )
require developed skills to accurately represent a product
Scale models
model that is either a smaller or larger physical copy of an object. Good for communicating the form, thinking, aesthetics or ideas behind a design.
Aesthetic Models
model developed to look and feel like the real product. used to evaluate user appeal or in ergonomic testing. primary function is to communicate and test the aesthetic elements of a design.
Weight and balance:
Texture and surface qualities
Mock-ups
scale or full-size representation of a product used to gain feedback from users. can also be used as a prototype.
Prototypes
sample or model built to test a concept or process, or to act as an object to be replicated or learned from.
Fidelity of prototypes
the degree to which the prototype is exactly like the final product. can be made at different levels of fidelity, depending on the application and context.
Low-fidelity models- conceptual representation analogous to an idea. They are not tangible or durable, but they do communicate basic information about form, shape, function, etc.
Mid-fidelity models- communicate more about an idea or concept. They may communicate some but not all of the functions of the design.
High-fidelity models- attempt to represent as close as possible the functionality of the final product. They are typically durable enough to be testable and used by the user group to gather usability data.
Instrumented models
Prototypes that are equipped with the ability to take measurements to provide accurate quantitative feedback for analysis. models that equipped with sensors or other types of measuring systems that can record data.
Advantages
Explore and test ideas: another form of exploration of design ideas; Some ideas are more easily explorable in physical form compared to other modeling forms
Easily understandable: a physical representation of an idea, concept or design.
Communication: Allow for clear communication with clients and team members about the design.
Tangible: it can be put in someone’s hands or tested
User testing: Can be easily used in user tials to generate data; Particularly useful when gathering ergonomic data
Disadvantages
Accuracy: Designers could mistakenly assume that the model accurately represents the reality of the design context.
Environmental cost: Materials and processes used may produce waste or use raw materials that impact the environment.
Skill: Requires a level of skill, depending on the application.
CAD Surface modeling
only communicates information about the surface of the design. There is no information about the interior of the product, the parts, or components.
These types of models are usually presented as 2D graphics files or animated videos.
Purpose: communicate the aesthetic form and scale of an object.
Audience: Clients who want to understand how a design will look. Designers who want to quickly communicate ideas fro form.
