Developing an educational approach to the practice of shaping 3D objects

Abstract

The goal of this thesis is to investigate the effect of digital design media on the design process of the industrial designer, and the designing of physical objects. Thereupon an educational approach to the practice of shaping objects was developed, which integrates theory about creativity, design methodology, and the application of new technologies and design media in design practices. Digital design media such as CAD modelling are increasingly integrated into the design process, replacing many functions of the conventional, physical media. However, design practice experiences problems with the extensive use of CAD. Thus, it wandered: what does the continuing integration of digital design mean for the design process of the industrial designer of the future, who learns to design with the computer being his most vital tool? And thereupon: how should design education adapt to these changes, in order to enable an optimal learning experience? The research answers these questions over the course of three parts, using literature, design reasoning, and the outcomes of 11 interviews conducted with experts from the field. The first part of research focusses on the principles to learning design. The second part of research deals with the practice of creation while exploring how designers are able to define an object from scratch. The last part of research evaluates different design media by a number of properties, whereupon a vision is constructed on how these should be used in design practices. Based upon the research results, it is proven that the (early) extensive use of digital design media leaves its traces on the effectiveness of a designer’s design development process. Simultaneously, it is found that a student’s learning process of design is negatively influenced, when relying solely on digital design media. Thereupon the educational theoretical model is introduced, which relies on a principle of design development through iterative representation, facilitated by a process of alternating design activity and design media. Finally, the developed theories were discussed with 3 experts, whereupon an evaluation was done.