3.1: Conceptual Modelling

Conceptual model

a model that originates in the mind used to help us know and understand ideas

benefits of conceptual models

• used to help us know and understand, design thinking, ideas, casual relationships, principles, data, systems, algorithms or processes.

• used to illustrate relationships that is in the designers mind to others.

• able to help explain the thinking behind  new ideas.

• able to help us to communicate with other members of  design team, manufacturer or client.

• able to help us visualise ideas through graphic, physical and virtual models.

What does a designer visualise concepts, design thinking and learning with?

• Graphic Model

• Physical Model

• Virtual Model

Graphical model

A visualization of an idea, often created on paper or through software, in two or three dimensions.

Eg. flow charts, drawings, diagrams

Physical model

The creation of a smaller or larger tangible version of an object that can be physically interacted with.

Eg. clay, card, 3D printing, foam or wood

Virtual model

 Photorealistic CAD-based interactive models that use surface and solid modelling. They can be considered ‘digital mock-ups’.

Eg. CAD, simulation, other software

What are the 3 different design contexts where conceptual models vary?

• Systems design

• Service design

• Product design

Systems design

process of defining the architecture, components, modules, interfaces, and data for a system to satisfy specified requirements

Service design

form of conceptual design which involves the activity of planning and organizing people, infrastructure, communication and material components of a service in order to improve its quality and the interaction between service provider and customer

Product design

process of generating ideas and then developing them into a final product to be sold to consumers

Advantages of conceptual models

• To help explain features in data sets.

• Help with project planning.

• Put abstract ideas into a visual understandable form that might not be imaginable otherwise.

• Promote communication between designer, design team members, manufacturer or clients.

• Gauge peoples’ reaction.

Disadvantages of conceptual models

• Make assumptions that which in reality do not work

  • may lack details – too simplistic.

  • scale may distort perceptions or understandings.

  • materials might not reflect the final choice- difficult to imitate.

• Graphic models such as flow charts may be difficult for people to understand.