The Role of Product Engineering Modelling in Aesthetic Design Education

Abstract

By progressively embracing the general principles of integrated, parametric, interdisciplinary design that considers the manufacturing elements of the imagined product, the modern aesthetic designer is called upon to broaden their knowledge and abilities. Especially when there is a need to produce complex shapes, when cost-effective, there are also numerous 3D printing technologies available today, to be used both in the conceptual phase (prototyping) and for actual production. The present paper aims to propose a discussion on the role of product engineering modelling in aesthetic design education. The progress of new 3D parametric modelling tools available to aesthetic designers is discussed, with a focus on the most cutting-edge features that have been released recently. The importance of parametric design education in general and the positive effects its application can have in the design process will also be discussed.

Keywords

• aesthetic design
• parametric modelling
• product engineering
• CAD
• generative design
• topology optimisation