Exploring digital rapid visualization in industrial design education

Year: 2009
Editor: Clarke, A, Ion, W, McMahon, C and Hogarth, P
Author: Shin, Dosun
Section: NEW PEDAGOGY
Page(s): 257-262

Abstract

Over the last two decades, industrial design practice has been changing due to the rapid growth of the software industry and the development of various computer-based design tools. As the scope and applications of design technology grow, designers are relying more and more on computers to aid in the design process. Ensuring that design practitioners and students understand the potentials of these new technologies and are adequately prepared to utilize them is the focus of this study. This paper will present a pedagogical tool which introduces a methodology for using digital design technology. It will demonstrate how current design technologies can be used in a more effective manner to visualize new product concepts. In order to illustrate the significance of this methodology and its applications, an intensive winter course, 'Digital Rapid Visualization for Industrial Design', was developed and offered by the author at a major university in the U.S. This course offers a case study for exploring the applications of these new technologies and their potentials in the hands of future industrial designers.

Keywords: Digital visualization, industrial design education, 2D and 3D design technology