Modeling

• In design, models are used for a variety of different purposes, including:

  • Generating ideas
  • Developing and refining ideas
  • Visualising an idea in 3D
  • Evaluating and testing ideas and design issues
  • Communicating ideas
  • Solving ergonomic, functional and aesthetic problems
• • Sketch models are models made quickly from cheap, readily available materials to allow designers to create their initial ideas in 3D.
  • They can help designers visualise their ideas more clearly than they could with a sketch, to develop their initial ideas and to check aesthetic elements of their initial designs.
• • These are created when building full scale models is impractical, ie, in architecture, interior design, etc.
  • Models are created on a smaller, or sometimes larger, scale but all proportions are kept the same.
  • This allows the designer to see their ideas in a physical form, check appropriate sizes and proportions of parts and to clearly communicate their ideas to their client.

  
• • Block models look exactly like the final design on the outside but have no working or moving parts.
  • These can be used to test ergonomics, aesthetics and for advertising purposes.

  
• • CAD models are produced using computer aided design packages and are very realistic and accurate. Changes can be made quickly and easily.
  • They can be tested in a virtual environment, used with computer aided manufacture and also be used for marketing and promotion.

  
• • A prototype is an early model or release of a product built to test a concept or process.
  • The prototype is made to be as close as possible to the final design, using the same manufacturing methods that would be used for the final product.
  • Prototyping enables full scale performance testing and allows the designer to identify any last minute problems with the product. It also provides clients with a fully working product.