Design communication

• Clear communication

  • whether generated by hand or using CAD software, various visual tools are used to simplify complex information
  • colours and textures
  • pictograms and symbols
  • images, shapes and emoji's
  • words and fonts
  • these tools make up a visual shorthand that users can decode
• Presenting ideas and intentions

  • you must be able to explain and demonstrate your design ideas through a variety of different communication techniques
  • 2D and 3D sketches
  • mixed media and rendering
  • technical drawings and dimensions
• Sketching techniques

  • whether hand drawn or computer generated, various 2D and 3D methods are used to develop and communicate ideas
• Sketching techniques

  • 3D drawings are better for representing the look and feel of an object
  • 2D drawings show profiles, dimensions, mechanical and electrical concepts
• 3D drawing techniques

  • graphical projection and perspective are useful drawing skills for presenting designs
• 3D drawing techniques

  • there are three key types of 3D drawing styles
  • oblique projection
  • isometric projection
  • perspective drawing
• Oblique protection

  • a simpler technique and useful in the early stages of design

  
• Isometric projection

  • isometric projection enables designers to draw an object in three dimensions which aids visualisation

  
• One point perspective sketch

  • simplest style, however it's use is limited

  
• One point perspective

  
• Two point perspective

  • uses two vanishing points, so shapes that project towards them appear smaller
• Two point perspective

  • this vanishing effect simulates the natural way we observe objects
  • a rule can be used to draw the main structure with freehand sketching to add detail and curved forms

  
• Three point perspective

  • this can give a dynamic effect to a composition and makes concepts more interesting
• Three point perspective

  • all the vertical construction lines will end at the third vanishing point
  • the nearer the third vanishing point is to the centre of the drawing, the greater the distortion
  • this can create an extreme point of view which can make for a striking effect in architectural design

  
• Mixed media and rendering

  • drawings can be embellished further with colour, tone and shadows to create depth, texture and show surface finishes
• Mixed media and rendering

  • mixed media representations can combine pen, pencils, spirit markers, chalk and water colour
  • using spirit based markers to build up layers of colour is the traditional way designers render their work
• Mixed media and rendering

  • increasingly, CAD packages can achieve similar effects more rapidly in a more versatile format, making alterations and different colour schemes and finishes
• Technical drawing

  • once ideas are finalised, dimensions and assembly details must be communicated to the manufacturer
• Technical drawing

  • technical, or working, drawings give practical details to enable a product to be manufactured
  • orthographic projection, cross-sectional and exploded views are ideal for this stage of design development
• 3rd angle orthographic drawing

  typically include three 2D views - the plan, front and side elevations

  
• Dimensions and conventions

  • set standards and conventions for technical drawing make it easier to convey ideas
• Dimensions and conventions

  • line styles and symbols are used for different features e.g. hidden, solid or central features
  • datum points set points on a drawing form which several dimensions are taken

  
• Built to scale

  • orthographic drawings are invaluable to anyone involved in the manufacture/build phase of a project
• Built to scale

  • standard conventions are used in these drawings to show dimensions and structural details clearly with minimal text

  
• Sectional drawings

  • these truncate an object at a given point to show internal features that are otherwise hidden from view
• Sectional drawings

  • sectional views may be incorporated into a 3D view or separately in 2D
  • these are essential for communicating ideas between designers and manufacturers
• Sectional drawings

  • they can also be used with clients and customers to highlight interesting or unique features
  • hatched sections show solid material and dotted lines show hidden features
• Exploded views

  • an exploded drawing shows how component parts of a product are assembled
  • components are aligned so its easy to show where each part fits together
  • extensively used for flat furniture assembly instructions or manuals supplied with kit models
• Make or break

  • technical drawings like these are vital to take a product from a concept to reality
• Make or break

  • they allow material quantities and costs to be calculated and demonstrate how a product and its components interact
  • they ensure equipment can be set up accurately and within tolerance to produce safe, high quality products that are fit for purpose