INST104 Exam 2: Concept 4 - Design and Artifacts (CAD, Product Design, Architecture)

Why Designers’ Tools are Critical

• Tools are not neutral - they make some things easier and other things harder

• They will shape what you find easy and pleasant to do, and what you put off and avoiding all together.

• Examples of tools to use when planning what to build:

  • Drawing

  • Drafting Offices

Why is a Blueprint called a Blueprint?

• A translucent drawing is laid on a chemically coated paper and exposed to ultraviolet light, then exposed to ammonia gas.

• The shaded areas below lines remain white while most the paper remains blue.

What is Computer Aided Design (CAD)?

• Using a computer to help a designer create an image, shape, etc.

• Widely used by professionals (e.g. engineers, architects, artists, designers) to aid in the production of detailed designs as well as technical drawings.

• What used to be done in notebooks is now commonly done digitally.

Almost everything that has been physically built around you in the last 30-40 years has been built with CAD

Examples of Different Industries Where CAD is Used

• Structural Engineering (used to test strength of buildings and bridges)

• Biomedical Engineering (ventilators, medical machines, hospital furniture, prosthetics)

• Electrical Engineering

• Aerospace Engineering

• Visual Effects Art

• Game Design

• Web Design

• Industrial Design

• Furniture Design

• Fashion Design

• Architecture

• Cartography

Why Digital Design Tools?

In contrast with analog design tools, digital tools make creating, expressing yourself, documenting, sharing, and collaborating much easier.

• Many professions demand expertise in particular tools, often necessitating specialized training,

• Sometimes, a shift in preference for digital tools can require learning a new tool from scratch.

Example 1 of CAD: Miro

• A tool for brainstorming and group communication/collaboration

• Provides collaborative features

• Similar to in-person collaborative white boarding, but easy to store and edit as it’s digital.

Example 2 of CAD: Figma

• Competitor to Miro in some domains

• Graphics editor

• Prototyping tools

• Emphasis: Collaborative features for co-design

• More appropriate for medium to high-fidelity prototyping

  • Pixel perfect accuracy

  • Animate the flow

Example 3 of CAD: Tinkercad

For designing physical objects. Standard design tool for mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering. CASD drawings are needed for many purposes.

• 3D designs for 3D printing

• Circuit design for electrical prototyping

• Code blocks for animating the behavior

Finding the Right Tool for You Based on Your Needs and Workflow

Current tools are no only made for individuals but for collaboration with teams.

Having a community of practice around a specific tool is also really helpful.

• Tinkercad - Practice of making

• Figma - Practice of medium to high fidelity

• Miro - Early to low fidelity, with a systematic process

Is AI Considered CAD?

Yes! AI will make CAD more accessible.