This research explores the possibilities of computer-aided-design, engineering and manufacture as a tool to expand the skills of a commercial designer/maker.
Virtual 3D technologies are having an increasing influence on product design and manufacturing. The key to modern competitive manufacturing is the ability for companies to be cost-effective, environmentally friendly and flexible in their manufacturing operations. Virtual prototyping offers just that. It can simulate any object from the physical world in a digital virtual environment. These objects, whether digital or 3D-printed, can be used to calculate and examine real-world behaviour, to explore material properties, forms and structures rapidly and efficiently. They can be shared, instantly adjusted, catalogued and perfected. This results in high quality cutting edge designs, safe and reliable manufacturing processes, accurate business decisions — leading to better consumer options.
The research evaluates the role of emerging computer technologies for designers, both as a design tool and as a method of manufacturing products. This exploration of new technology utilises 3D-scanning, virtual-reality, 3D-modelling, rendering and rapid-prototyping. Advanced techniques in surface design, form and structure are also developed and investigated.
The research culminates in the final creation of the luminaire range Illuminated Shapes. This range is produced to demonstrate and prove the significance of computer-aided-design and manufacture with virtual-reality and rapid-prototyping as a developing and manufacturing technique with commercial marketing value. Illuminated Shapes is inspired by a wide variety of sources, looking mainly at geometry, structures and repeated patterns in nature as well as architecture and new materials.