Informal Graphics For Conceptual Design

Abstract

Engineers who work in innovative design spaces have very different CAD and graphics needs than those who work in more conventional design spaces. We propose to develop ideas about the graphical communication needs for conceptual design. This paper will illustrate what we mean by describing a few new methods such as feature-based sketching, and edited/annotated photos. We will also discuss preliminary trials using new technologies such as digital ink pens and tablets that occurred in late 2004. Formal trials will take place in the spring of 2005 in the context of a program offering an introductory engineering design course to about one thousand students a year and several upper division courses in innovative and global design. Our approach is an exploration of what we view as a new paradigm in engineering design graphics: informal techniques of graphical communication. While our approach is exploratory, we hope that this concept can help organize a new family of techniques and ideas in the engineering design graphics community. Some key concepts we deploy are conceptual design, informal graphics, rapid graphical communication, and optimal ignorance in the graphical communication process.

The Effect Of Student Tablet Pc Use On Their Attitudes Towards And Understanding Of Conceptual Design

“…In conceptual design, "the amount of information flowing, the diverse nature of that information, and the speed at which it flows is far greater than in detailed design." 1 For capturing this information, flexible graphical tools are needed. Regardless of the importance of conceptual design, design education tends to focus more on the detail design and much less on conceptual design.…”

“…The mobile nature of the TPC also allows the design team a more natural working environment (e.g., around a table or in a huddle) to work through concept selection, concept generation, and concept analysis. 1 All of these advantages can make the process more enjoyable, allow creativity to flow, and enable a deeper understanding of conceptual design. Even though TPC has not been used widely in education to date, many positive results have been reported from cases of TPC use in education across various fields with the majority of cases from higher education.…”