Typically,
when customers contact us regarding a product concept, they usually have
either a general idea of what the final product should look like, or a
requirements sheet. Customer’s napkin sketches or hand drawings can give
us a good idea of where to start the design process. A requirements sheet
might identify the desired production price point, that it should be
waterproof, smaller than a cell phone, and made of plastic. Sometimes
customers describe what a competitor is selling, and say that they want
their product to be better or different in a number of ways. Even if it is
not initially clear what the final product should look like, we can help. 
There are many ways to represent
product concepts, both 2-dimensionally and in 3-D.
The methods we select are based on
what our customers need. Some can easily visualize forms and colors. For
others, it's nearly impossible to translate variations on a theme in the
mind's eye. In the past we started with sketches, moved to computer
(solid) modeling, then to 3-dimensional study models as the design
direction became more focused. In general, preliminary concepts are still
loose in early phases; sketching is fast and it is easy to generate many
ideas quickly. Click
here to see a photo-realistic rendering of these oxygen valves.
Within the last few years, rapidly
evolving CAD programs have really changed the concepting process.
SolidWorks™
models, unlike blueprint-type drawings, appear as
3-dimensional objects on the computer screen or on paper. 
This attribute makes them great concepting and engineering tools. Using
the mouse, solid models can be rotated and viewed from all sides in real
time, just like a real product. They are so effective, quick and easy to
visualize, that if the customer knows what they want, we can start
concepting with solid modeling. Click
here to see a photo-realistic rendering of this hand-held device.
Producing computer renderings is not as fast as sketching, but the
trade-off of time versus comprehension is worth it. Concept variations are
easier to demonstrate, and because they look so real, consensus can be
reached earlier than with hand sketches. What computer models can't do is
replace physical models for ergonomic critique and verification. To show
the mechanics of an assembly, or for presentations to non-technical
people, solid models are what most of our clients are looking for.
Clients want photo-realistic
renderings that make yet-to-be-manufactured products look like they
actually exist.
For about a third of our clients (who ask
us to take realism to the next step), we use 3-D StudioMax™ software.
Visually, it is a giant leap. Photo-realistic rendering of a solid model
adds 3 elements: 1) material textures and surface finishes, 2) lifelike
lighting with shadows and reflectance, and 3) a setting or environment
which adds scale and the illusion of mass to the image. These type of
renderings are often used before more costly prototypes are constructed,
or to make absolutely sure concept details are really understood. Time
wise, the extra step is minimal, but the added impact is often vital for a
marketing brochure or when persuading prospective investors. If we start
with a solid model, it can usually be transformed to a photo-realistic
rendering that same day.
|
