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A Sketch in Time Spurs Design

Posted September 30, 2007 8:30 AM by Sharkles

When it comes to design, engineers reach for computer aided design (CAD) software. However, sometimes the old ways can improve today's technology. David McCormick makes the argument that whiteboard sketches are a good place to start with product design, allowing free-thinking and innovation. Jumping to a detailed design he says, can cramp creativity.
How do you handle the start of a new design?

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Nigh
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#1

Re: A Sketch in Time Spurs Design

10/01/2007 9:50 AM

I thought every engineer started with a few scribbled sketches before getting a design into CAD.

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unclefastguy
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#2

Re: A Sketch in Time Spurs Design

10/01/2007 12:44 PM

That's why my boss keeps a box of napkins/serivettes at his desk. LOL!!!

There was a post on this forum not too long ago about a group of Computer Science and Mechanical eng's from MIT developing a new projection screen type "CAD" sketcher. Basically enabled someone to draw on a projection screen and with several preloaded functions in the software was able to constrain and animate their sketch to give a more realistic representation of the concept.

Does anyone have that thread bookmarked? If so, could you please post a link.

Thanks

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Kris
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#3

Re: A Sketch in Time Spurs Design

10/01/2007 2:10 PM

Hey Sharkles, I've got no idea how to cross link threads. Any chance you could look at the thread on 'Drawing' that I initiated recently (ref via my profile and listings) and link it here ? Not trying to steal your topic, but it seems to have been one of wide interest. Adding links to a new post is something I haven't figured out yet. Many thanks for any 'how to do so', Kris.

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Nigh
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#4
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Re: A Sketch in Time Spurs Design

10/02/2007 4:24 AM

Don't you just paste the address in like this?

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Kris
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Re: A Sketch in Time Spurs Design

10/02/2007 4:36 AM

Thanks Nigh. I didn't explain myself too good there - I was referring to the tags people can add when they initiate a question/discussion. Next time I post a question I'll check it out, I'm sure it's in the FAQ's/Glossary - I've never thought to use it before (oops) and it's usefulness only just filtered into my brain !

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#6

Re: A Sketch in Time Spurs Design

10/03/2007 5:09 PM

First make some sketches on paper then draw in computer.

Free hand sketch works well with product design with molded/formed exterior. Don't work well with machine design where parts are machined.

Current parametric CAD softwares are pretty good at sketching. Good thing with it is everything is to scale. Too many time I got hand sketch that can't be drawn.

I like to draw in CAD. This way I know I can make it.


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Nigh
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Re: A Sketch in Time Spurs Design

10/04/2007 4:25 AM

"I like to draw in CAD. This way I know I can make it."

That's true for the end product but at the concept stage pencil & paper gives more freedom & allows input from non-CAD people. I can't imagine going straight to CAD without using a few sketches to get my ideas straight. Even after I get the design into CAD there are usually lots of thumbnail sketches around to get the ideas into my perspective.

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