Design and Communication

The design and communication process plays a crucial role in sharing and visualising ideas effectively in the product design field.
Sketching and rendering are essential basic skills to visually express design ideas.
Technical drawings provide precise details of a product, including dimensions, assembly, and how individual components fit together.
2D and 3D modelling software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and SolidWorks assist in creating digital representations of a design, often used for presentations or manufacturing.

Computer-aided design (CAD) allows for easy alterations and iterations of designs with high precision. It also enables the designer to view the product from different perspectives.
Digital prototyping with CAD software enables testing and refinement, reducing the need for physical prototypes.
3D printing technologies have revolutionalised the prototyping process, providing rapid and affordable means to test form, fit, and functionality.
Virtual and Augmented Reality tools are increasingly utilised to provide immersive design visualisations and evaluations in real world contexts.

Orthographic projections (front, side and top view) give a complete and detailed view of a product.
Section views or cross-sectional drawings allow the viewer to ‘see inside’ a product.
Exploded views illustrate how different parts interconnect within an assembled product.
Rendered images and animations bring designs to life, giving a realistic view of a product from multiple angles, often including material finishes and shadows.

Clarity and precision are crucial in all forms of design communication – ambiguity in design visuals can lead to errors in production.
Design communication should take into account the technical knowledge and understanding of the audience.
Appropriately scaled drawings ensure accurate manufacturing and assembly.
Careful attention should be paid to the legibility and clarity of labels, dimensions, and explanatory text in all design communication forms.