Research project iar560
Abstract:
This is a study of a reiterative design process utilizing both digital modeling and rapid prototyping for developing new interior product designs. It is seen as significant by using both modeling avenues combined to produce hand-on prototypes for tactile and visual exploration to further inform biophilic design decisions aimed for use in children’s healthcare play spaces. This will be explored in the context of the current trend in interior product manufacturing to use computer based 3d model generation to increase the speed of physical model production. This informs the design process and the speed of the overall product development process. The scope of the project is three fold. The first objective is documenting the design process for the creation of a new interior architecture screen product. The second is the use of modeling software to assist in the 3-d digital study of the object and exploring modeling software that is fully able to model biophilic complex fractal geometry and then import this for physical modeling and production. Third is the actual production of a new screen product based upon the design process and prototyping explored. The limitations will included the predetermined time limit, type of equipment available, and access to the equipment that will be needed for the production of a completed product.
Introduction:
The hypothesis of this research is that by using physical model prototypes from a 3d digital modeling software the design development that occurs will advance the design toward a completed biophilic design. “Product information sharing and exchange between various stages of PD [product design] processes can lead to optimal solutions for developing a product, thus, it has become paramount for a company to succeed”(Yang, Xie, & Zhou, 2008, p. 6055). This expresses the economic need for companies to produce pieces with optimized process. It has also been said that current industry use of rapid prototyping "is emerging as a key prototyping technology with its ability to produce even complicated parts virtually overnight” (Chua, Teh, & Gay, 1999, p. 593). Thus, the focus of this study is on using3d modeling to create the needed computer files for making prototypes that include organic design parameters and it will also test the relevance of the software and machinery for my future use of it in new biophilic product designs.
Methodology:
The initial design component concept will be through selecting a fractal shape for development and used to create, or be an addition to, an overall frame. The frame and components will be developed according to design parameters selected from the biophilic design elements. The design will be based upon Hildebrand’s six elements of biophilia that are paired: prospect and refuge, enticement and peril, and order and complexity. (Kellert, 2005) Prospect and refuge will be dictated by the manipulation of the z-axis in the Cartesian coordinate system. They will be the highest priority elements to inform the design. Secondarily, the order and complexity will be sought after through utilizing a fractal type unit for creating the basic block. The enticement and peril will be the explored through the overall curvilinear complexity of the x- and y-axis.
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| Figure1: Fractal Images |
This research will then be conducted by using Autodesk’s 3dsMax digital modeling software to explore the fractal geometry (Figure 1) and its relevance. “3ds Max gives you a more streamlined, artist-friendly modeling workflow through a collection of hands-on modeling UI options that let you focus more on the creative process” (“The world's most widely used professional 3D modeling software. -,” n.d.). Next, the files generated are converted into an acceptable format for the production equipment. The equipment may include the Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) and the laser cutter. The design process will include initial sketch studies that will be further developed in 3dsMax. Along with the initial design being modeled, a scale version or various specific components may be further investigated also. This exploration will then be refined to completion. Another study looking at the actual design process using prototypes to inform the design process noted that this type of design process “involved a reciprocal action between the visual and physical realms which continuously fed each other, were highly productive, and led to creative novel results and further developed until final production is achieved”(Arpak, Sass, & Knight, 2009, p. 480)
A constraint to the research is the available computing power of the computer used for modeling, and the production equipment’s limited availability for use. Additionally, the schedule is predetermined, so work will need to be complete by the due date. The schedule for the study will be as shown in Figure 2.
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| Figure 2: Process diagram |
Results:
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| Figure 3- Possible nature based image for idea generation |
A pattern like the one shown in Figure 3 may start the ideation process and result in a screen that is based on the individual unit found in the image. It is an image of a plant and could be manipulated to show a greater scale of fractal qualities in the final design. An example of an installation that correlates is shown in Figure 4. The class presentation will provide feedback for product design success and possibilities for design advancement and discussion of new designs that may be developed.
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| Figure 4 Technicolor Bloom by Brennan Buck |
Conclusions:
This research using physical model prototype creation from a 3d digital model will aid in completing a biophilic design and will be assessed through digital image recording of the various stages of production. The feedback from looking at this will be self-reflective and will allow for greater awareness and reflectiveness in future design work. It will additionally be used as an appendix for my thesis showing additional biophilic product designs relative to children and healthcare play spaces.
Future development in this world of modeling will have the most impact on design development. This is an area that I see as continuing to be able to increase the effectiveness for companies in more and more ways. One example is as prices continue to become more affordable for purchase of various machines, the need to spend the money to send initial prototypes to China for manufacturing will decrease. This current process many use causes delays and extra cost and may be eliminated. This should help the designer make quicker and cheaper modifications with fewer variables in between each cycle of design, model, and modify. The final product will inevitably be of better final quality.
Image credit:
Image 3- http://www.spicelines.com/2009/03/baby_its_cold_outside_incompar.htm
Image 4- Iwamoto, L. (2009). Digital fabrications : architectural and material techniques. New York: Princeton Architectural Press.
References:
Arpak, A., Sass, L., & Knight, T. (2009). A meta-cognitive inquiry into digital fabrication: exploring the activity of designing and making of a wall screen. In Computation: The new realm of architectural design (pp. 475-482). Presented at the eCAADe, Istanbul.
Chua, C., Teh, S., & Gay, R. (1999). Rapid Prototyping Versus Virtual Prototyping in Product Design and Manufacturing. The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 15(8), 597-603. doi:10.1007/s001700050107
Kellert, S. (2005). Building for life : designing and understanding the human-nature connection. Washington DC: Island Press.
The world's most widely used professional 3D modeling software. -. (n.d.). Autodesk 3ds Max 2011 13.0. Retrieved February 12, 2011, from http://www.softpedia.com/get/Multimedia/Graphic/Graphic-Editors/3D-Studio-Max.shtml
Yang, W., Xie, S., & Zhou, Z. (2008). Recent development on product modelling: a review. International Journal of Production Research, 46(21), 6055-6085.
Nice guide! thank you!/I love it ! Very creative ! That's actually really cool Thanks.
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