Graphical Modelling
- Graphical models are essential tools for communicating design ideas.
- They help designers explore possibilities, refine concepts, and present solutions effectively.
Definition
Graphical Models
Graphical Models: Visual representations used to communicate design ideas, explore solutions, and refine concepts.
The development of ideas through graphical models allows designers to explore and deepen their understanding of a problem and its context.
Sketching vs. Formal Drawing Techniques
- Graphical models are 2D representations used by designers to explore and communicate ideas.
- Different techniques help at different stages of the design process.
Sketching (Quick & Easy)
- Fast and rough – Used at the start of the design process.
- Explores many ideas quickly – Helps generate and refine concepts.
- No strict rules – Freehand drawings that focus on creativity.
- Communicates early thoughts – Helps share ideas with clients and the design team.
Example: A car designer quickly sketches multiple car shapes before choosing one to refine
Formal Drawing Techniques (Precise & Technical)
As the design develops, more detailed and accurate drawings are needed:
- Isometric Drawings – 3D-like drawings used to show depth and dimensions.
- Orthographic Drawings – Multi-view (top, front, side) diagrams that show exact measurements.
- CAD Renderings – Digital 3D models that provide a high-fidelity version of the design.
How designers communicate a 3D view of an object
- Orthographic drawings
- Isometric drawings
- Part and assembly drawings
Orthographic Drawings
- Orthographic drawings are technical 2D drawings that show different sides of an object without perspective.
- Instead of looking like a 3D sketch, they present flat views of each side (top, front, side) to give an accurate representation of the object's shape and dimensions.
- Features
- Show the "side" of a product – They display different views separately, such as the front, top, and side views.
- No vanishing point or perspective – Unlike 3D sketches, everything is drawn to scale without distortion.
- Accurate representation of form – They include exact dimensions and proportions, making them useful for manufacturing.
Applications of Orthographic Drawings
- Used in planning drawings – Helps designers communicate precise size, shape, and form before production.
- Essential for manufacturing – Factories and engineers use these drawings to build parts accurately.
- Standard in technical fields – Common in architecture, product design, and engineering.
Example
- Imagine designing a smartphone case
- An orthographic drawing would show:
- Front view (flat image of the front)
- Side view (thickness and shape from the side)
- Top view (how wide and deep it is)
- This ensures manufacturers know the exact dimensions to produce an accurate final product.
Isometric Drawings
- Isometric drawings are 3D-like drawings that show the shape and form of an object clearly.
- Unlike perspective drawings, they do not have vanishing points, meaning all sides remain at a consistent scale.
- Features
- No vanishing points – Objects don’t shrink or distort as they move further away.
- Drawn on a 30°/90°/30° grid – The horizontal edges are tilted at 30 degrees, while vertical edges stay at 90 degrees.
- Represents 3D objects accurately – It allows designers to show multiple sides of an object in a single drawing.
Applications of Isometric Drawings
- Used to communicate the overall form of a product – Gives a clear idea of how a design looks from different angles.
- Helpful in product and industrial design – Used by engineers, designers, and architects to visualize objects.
- Common in instruction manuals and technical drawings – Many assembly guides (e.g., LEGO or IKEA) use isometric drawings to show how parts fit together.
