2.2.2 Drawing Techniques

Drawings, either manual or prepared using computer-aided design (CAD) software, are used to explore, refine and communicate ideas.

A. Design in Theory

A2.2 Prototyping techniques

By the end of this topic, you should be able to...

outline why designers use drawings to explore, refine and communicate ideas (including informal drawing techniques such as free-hand sketching and formal drawing techniques such as assembled drawing (isometric), orthographic projection and exploded drawings), the advantages and disadvantages of using informal and formal drawing processes, and understand how these techniques are used at different stages of design development.

Guiding Question

Why is it necessary for designers to prototype ideas as part of a design process?

Linking Questions

What ergonomic aspects should be considered when selecting prototyping techniques? (A1.1)
How are concept models used to generate user feedback in a user-centred design (UCD) approach? (B1.1)
Why are different prototyping techniques used as part of the design process? (B2.1)
How does a good understanding of prototyping techniques help designers approach modelling and prototyping of their potential design solutions? (B2.2)
How can prototyping techniques be used to evaluate the appropriateness of material selection? (B3.1)
To what extent can virtual prototypes and simulations model real-world situations involving structural, mechanical and electronic systems? (B3.2, B3.3, B3.4)