Topic 3

Question 1

Role of conceptual modelling

Answer 1

It originates in the mind with the purpose of outlining principles, processes and basic functions of a design to help us understand and communicate ideas.

Question 2

Advantages/Disadvantages of conceptual modelling

Answer 2

A:
- Makes it easy for non-designers to understand a complex idea
- Communication with users
- Seeing peoples’ reactions to concepts and ideas

D:
- Can be misinterpreted
- Lack of detail

Question 3

Graphical model definition

Answer 3

A 2D or 3D drawing/visualization of an idea created on paper or software.

Question 4

Perspective drawing definition

Answer 4

A drawing that shows what the product will look like when it’s finished in a more lifelike way (lines head towards a vanishing point).

Question 5

Isometric drawing definition

Answer 5

A drawing that accurately shows what a product will look like when it’s finished (objects are 30 degrees)

Question 6

Orthographic projection definition

Answer 6

A way of drawing 3D objects from different directions (front, side and plan view). Useful when a design is at a stage where it’s almost ready to manufacture. Minimum 3 views.

Question 7

Scale drawings definition

Answer 7

Drawings that show an object in proportion to its actual size. Used when something needs to be presented accurately for presenting/manufacturing.

Question 8

Sketching vs. Formal drawing techniques

Answer 8

Sketching: Free hand representation used very early in the design
A: Communicates ideas quickly
D: Can’t take the idea to manufacture

Formal: Accurate drawings used in the development stages of the design.
A: Detailed and can be used to construct accurate views that can’t be seen in a 3D drawing
D: Time consuming and specialist equipment needed

Question 9

Part drawings definition

Answer 9

Provides information to assemble a product with a list of parts or bill of materials. Useful to see if a part is broken and how to repair it.

Question 10

Assembly drawing definition

Answer 10

Shows how parts of a product fit together.

2 Types:
- A fitted assembly drawing shows the parts put together in 2D or 3D
- An exploded assembly drawing shows the parts separated in 3D

Question 11

Scale model definition

Answer 11

Smaller/larger physical copy of an object, allows visualization

Question 12

Aesthetic model definition

Answer 12

Designed to look like the product but not work like it. Give a representation of the feel and look, used for ergonomic testing.

Question 13

Mock-ups definition

Answer 13

Scale/full-size representations of a product used to gain feedback from users (work-like and look-like).

Question 14

Functional prototype definition

Answer 14

Semi to fully functioning model built to act as an object to be replicated or learned from. Created to help the development team gain feedback from users and learn from building it.

Question 15

Range of fidelity

Answer 15

Fidelity: The measure of the realism of a model

Low Fidelity - Conceptual representation
Medium Fidelity - Representation of aspects of the idea
High Fidelity - Mock-up of the idea (as close as possible to the final product)

Question 16

Instrumented models definition

Answer 16

Physical models used to take measurements related to the performance of the product and user interaction with it.

Question 17

Surface modelling definition

Answer 17

Surface models are photo-realistic images of a product that don’t provide data about the interior.

Question 18

Solid modelling definition

Answer 18

Solid models are clear representations of the final product that provide data including internal dimensions and volume.

Question 19

Virtual prototyping definition

Answer 19

Involves the use of surface and solid modeling to develop interactive models which can be considered digital mock-ups.

Question 20

Bottom-up modeling

Answer 20

The designer specifies the base parts of the design, then assembles them to create the product.

Question 21

Top-down modelling

Answer 21

The design originates as a concept then gradually adds more complexity to become a complete product consisting of components and sub-assemblies.

Question 22

Digital humans

Answer 22

Computer simulations of the human body used to interact with virtual prototypes, to enable a product to be developed more quickly and meet human requirements more accurately. Cheaper than physical products.

Question 23

Motion capture

Answer 23

The recording of human and animal movement using sensors to track the position and develop a digital representation of the motion. Reduces cost of animation, saves time, more natural.

Question 24

Haptic technology

Answer 24

Force feedback technology that affects the user via the sense of touch.

Question 25

Virtual reality

Answer 25

The ability to simulate a real situation on the screen and interact with it in a near-nature way.

Question 26

Animation

Answer 26

Ability to link graphic screens together to simulate motion or a process.

Question 27

Finite element analysis

Answer 27

Simulation of unknown factors in products to simulate stresses. It uses color indication.

Question 28

Stereolithography (SLA)

Answer 28

Uses resin and an ultraviolet laser. The laser hardens the resin to form the structure of the objecting being printed, where more liquid continues to flow until the object is complete.

Question 29

Laminated object manufacturing (LOM)

Answer 29

Takes CAD data from a 3D model and cuts out each layer from a roll of material, then the layers are glued together to form the model.

Question 30

Fused deposition modelling (FDM)

Answer 30

Uses an additive principle by building parts layer by layer. Plastic or metal is unwound from a coil then sent to a nozzle. The nozzle is heated to melt the material .

Question 31

Selective laser sintering (SLS)

Answer 31

An additive manufacturing technique that uses a laser that sinters a heat fusible powder.