PROJECT OVERVIEW

The two outcomes of this project consisted of a case study report and RSA design solution. This was designed to prepare us our for third year dissertations and deepen knowledge within our area of interest. The topic for my report was inspired by the ‘Bridging the Divide’ RSA brief. This had the most potential for research and scope for a CAD based outcome. The main insights were discovering social divides within community generations and how social isolation can impact the elderly population.

The RSA solution was designed to help tackle this chosen social problem, with consideration on the viability and overall usefulness to the user. The basic idea was a creative group, based online and in local venues, aimed to bring the generations together and participate in arts activities. This would hopefully provide support in the mitigation of elderly loneliness. The design process for the RSA project solution is presented below. See the link to my case study report at the end of this section.

RSA SOLUTION DESIGN PROCESS

INITIAL IDEAS & RESEARCH

The range of briefs presented by the RSA board were very interesting, and it was hard to make a definite choice at first. Initial research and brainstorming helped to explore the possibilities of each brief. The next series of sketches and mood board shows my visual thought process and commercial examples for product inspiration.

The illustrations show my first thoughts based on each brief title and general theme. These quick ideas weren't refined, but helped to visualize how the idea could link to a group of people.

The two briefs that I favored at this point were 'For the Long Time' and 'Right to breath'. The aspects to consider were in relevance to the 'problem', target user and how this would solve the problem. The 'smart plate' and 'woodland packaging' concepts were good ideas, but lacked the potential to be sustained within the project time frame.

CHOSEN BRIEF & TARGET AUDIENCE

My final choice was the 'Bridging the Divide' brief. It suggested to think about a connection of personal importance to be the starting point of our ideas. For myself this is the social connection to the elderly generation, between young and old, and how this is highly valuable for both parties. This decision sparked by further research and exploration of the key words, revealed both the problem and remedy for the basis of this whole project.

The main target audience for this project was the elderly population, however aspects of social media and the arts opened up the possibility of other users. These are showed in the persona cards below.

THE PROBLEM

The social divide that inspired the problem of this project, and related to the target audience was social isolation. This results in the loneliness of some elderly individuals and is caused by various factors. It can especially affect the elderly on a local scale, and cause new (or exacerbate existing) health issues or in some cases early death.

The main contributors are barriers to digital/mobile communications (The Digital Divide) and the recent forced isolation of COVID-19. With the aging population projected to increase, there is a clear need to address the level of pastoral and end of life support for future generations.

THE DESIGN SOLUTION

My idea is based on a concept 'community creative social brand and collaborative group' for the elderly. It would also involve younger age groups, as there is evidence to suggest the presence of younger people and expression through art (e.g. painting) can be a form of therapy.

INITIAL RESEARCH & INSPIRATION

This mood board explores topics within my chosen brief idea, including social media and intergenerational arts initiatives. It will also pose as inspiration for the design solution, which has to presented visually and link to our specialism.

INITIAL SKETCHES

This sketch shows the two elements of this arts group idea. On the left is a representation of the online branded page, similar to the layout of a Facebook group. The right shows the product aspect of the idea, a concept desk and arts area.

INITIAL VISUALISATION

The graphic below illustrates the idea further, showing details of the built-in dividers that would make it COVID-19 safe. This image was also used in the primary research to give survey respondents a visual reference to help inform their feedback.

CASE STUDY INSIGHTS

At this point in the project I was revisiting the surveys made as part of the research for the case study report. This diagram shows a snapshot of the section that asks about the design proposal idea. This feedback was particularity influential and inspired further changes to the idea. Including, the addition of more traditional advertisements and communications (e.g. leaflet/posters) to reach those without the internet/technology.

CONCEPT SOLUTION OVERVIEW

A creative arts group that would consist of a social media base and a desk product for use in physical meetings.

The online social platform (website or social media) would be the main host of this club, with a branded community page. Designed to attract and educate members, along with encouraging communication to create traction within a community. 

The group meetings would be held in local venues (e.g. town halls/libraries etc.). Any events would be advertised by traditional media to include those who aren’t digitally inclined, still with the option to attend via video chat. The product concept for the art desk would be used within these physical events. Acting as a ‘COVID safe’ art space with safety screens to divide people, but in essence bring them together.     

SOCIAL BRANDING - Initial Ideas

This mind map shows the initial ideas for the 'social brand', including the design considerations and content needed to fully visualize the idea as a proof of concept.

SOCIAL BRANDING - Initial Sketches

These considerations related to the preferences of the target audience, such as suitability of colours and fonts for older eyes. These features will then be appropriately applied within the design contents, digital and traditional visual assets. Along with a logo and general colour scheme to represent how the group identity would look.

SOCIAL BRANDING - Research & Inspiration

This mood board shows research exploring these design considerations. The key aspect was referencing existing mental health and arts groups on social media. This provided excellent inspiration that meant my own designs were better tailored to the target audience.

SOCIAL BRANDING - Design Considerations (User)

The general trend of digital and non-digital visuals designed for older adults consisted of muted colours and sans serif typography. The elderly typically prefer colours that represent emotions of warmth and security, e.g. purple, yellow and blue. Logos on existing care home and mental health digital media pages appeared follow a similar theme. This included simple 2D graphic icons with multiple colours, such as hands or hearts that symbolize care and wellness.

SOCIAL BRANDING - Final Design Sketches

These sketches show the final branding concepts. The wire frame layouts have emphasized sections, with a sans serif font and clear positioning of the group logo. The image of tea cup was used as it is associated with socializing and warmth, incorporated with the art tools to subtly tie into the theme of creativity. The use of word 'Artem', Latin for art, reinforces this creative message further.

SOCIAL BRANDING - Final Visualization

The images below show the digital design process for the logo. All of these versions are of a high quality, but are slightly gimmicky and look like illustrations. After experimenting with composition and colour, the final series of logos were more suitably graphic.

The second series of images below present the final visual media outcomes. These show a proof of concept and placement of the final logo design. The first is a poster layout, with white space to section out the information and make the important details (contact info.) standout. This theme is also present in the digital web layout, with a basic home page and navigation bar.

I am pleased with the final logo and media outcomes as part of my RSA solution. The two chosen logo designs reflect the level of creativity and professionalism I wanted portray. They are consistent with the rest of the branding and bring the all of the visual assets together. I enjoyed incorporating other specialisms into my work, from the research to practicing on Adobe Illustrator. The only area of improvement would be to build on the digital media assets, perhaps by mocking up a fake web page. This would also be good to test the page and get peer feedback.

ART DESK PRODUCT CONCEPT - Initial Ideas

This mind map represents the initial ideas for the second part of my design solution. Being a product concept, there is greater depth to the user-focus and sustainable design elements. As well as still making it a fun and approachable art desk. The proof of concept will be through a CAD model made on Fusion 360 to bring the idea to life.

ART DESK PRODUCT CONCEPT - Initial Sketches

The sketches show the numerous ideas I had for the desk, with details of the functionality and materials. It was difficult to get the balance of making it both structurally sound, whilst also lightweight for easy movement. Removing the table legs and incorporating the desk surface into the main body solved this issue. Further development is needed to try to make it viable in real life.

ART DESK PRODUCT CONCEPT - Research & Inspiration

The areas of investigation for this desk are shown on the mood board below. These included target market research of measurements and referencing features from existing desks/dividers. Along with an understanding of the materials and manufacturing elements that would be viable if the product was made in industry.

Researching commercial references, features of commercial divider and desks, helped to inspire the appearance and structure of my design. The further analysis of these products identified successful and common elements to also incorporate into the concept. The best examples were similar floor mounted dividers made from PET, a recycled plastic textile, with simple hinges for easy interaction. For the desk component, I looked at how space-saving desks were implemented into flat surfaces to be easily pulled out.

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS - Sustainability/Materials etc.

The physical considerations for this desk are the materials and manufacturing. It is important to make these sustainable in order reduce the environmental impact this product would have.

The main material of choice would be a recycled PET textile, used within existing office dividers for its lightweight properties. It also can be layered for strength and a durable surface for push pins. The screen window would be a recycled clear perspex, which is splash proof and easily cleaned (COVID-19). Making an effort to use recycled materials would help to prevent the creation of any new substances, and avoid the waste of the planets finite resources. This is with the exception of any standardized parts and fittings (e.g. hinges or Velcro etc.) that have already been made.

In order to offset any emissions produced throughout the initial life cycle, the desk unit could be transported via electric vehicles. Along with using a form of renewable energy to power the manufacturing processes, as considered in a ‘circular' economy approach (if made in real life).

The sketch above shows the measurements collected to reference the model to a roughly correct scale. Although this design solution is a just concept, it is still vital to consider and record the correct dimensions within the design process. This considers the needs and physical attributes of the target users, which for this project are the elderly (65+) and possibly younger adults.

The sketches above give close ups of the features that were incorporated to increase the overall usability of the concept. This includes curved edges on the side panels that would make them comfortable to grip. These panels would also be positionable, folded out when in use and then closed together to store away. Another ergonomic aspect is the differently colored sections, making the edges and surfaces more distinguishable for those with poorer eyesight. The shallow storage on the desk slots for art tools, would also prevent any unnecessary strain when gripping items to take them out.

ART DESK PRODUCT CONCEPT - Final Design Sketches

The final design includes the best features from existing art desks and my own ideas. Including the flexibility of the folding parts, acting as safety screen to divide users at a safe distance. Although, this safety would not infringe on their experience, the clear window on the main body would still allow either party to communicate and have fun. Two of these desks would be pushed together to accommodate the user sitting or standing, depending on the desired activity.

The unit should fold up and be flexible, closing with a Velcro or fabric strip to be moved and stored away. A series of rubber feet would keep the middle section sturdy, but the side panels would offer additional support.

ART DESK PRODUCT CONCEPT - CAD Modeling

The image below shows rough workings prior to modeling the final design on CAD. The number of parts and possibly moving pieces within the design made this one of my most challenging models so far. These drawings helped with dimensioning and scaling (anthropometrics) when beginning the model in Fusion 360.

My previous knowledge and experience with this software, class sessions and AutoDesk tutorials, also aided the creation process. Although, it was still difficult to structure the model in the right order. As with other models on this software, my enjoyment can cause me to rush ahead and lose track the original sketches. The most efficient method is drawing the full 2D sketch before changing components to 3D. This error slowed the start of the modeling process. However, I now know to draw the main body of a design first, and use this as a reference for the rest of the parts and joints.

Overall, I am pleased with the final outcome for the solution concept and feel it represents the original idea well. The scale is roughly correct for the target user and fulfills the purpose as a protective desk. Efforts in the initial design stage to understand how the panels would fold, meant the model has some joints to illustrate movement.

The areas improve and change within the design relate to these moving parts. Although, there is functionality in these interlocking hinges, they need to be extended to work properly. As in the current state this would not fully work, and the parts would fold into each other in real life. Another change is desks appearance, the yellow is perhaps too harsh and would not match the art group's brand identity.

ART DESK PRODUCT CONCEPT - MODEL DEVELOPMENT & REFINEMENT

Below is the improved model with changes to the components that were impacting its functionality. This was achieved by completely redesigning the two side panels to incorporate a new hinge mechanism. The process is documented below and took two attempts to get to a design that looked as clean as the previous model. Now the panels can fully close and move independently without any collision, this action is shown in a video below.

The first attempt failed to work as there was not enough surface area to apply rotational joints. However, as you can see the second attempt worked perfectly. By splitting the main body and starting from scratch on the side panels, I was able to reconsider a viable design. This consisted of a long cylindrical barrel extruded from the main body, to project a mirrored shape on the panel to mold into when opened or closed. The joint was then applied onto the rounded surfaces of the barrel and internal surfaces of the panels to bring them together.

The future changes for this product solution could be an additional support leg or locking hinge for the desk. This would perhaps require further research, through visiting venues or retailers, e.g, schools, offices etc. Offering the extra information needed to inform a real working design. Although challenging, the errors made during the design of this model have increased my depth of understanding in Fusion 360.

As well as joints, I now am able to apply contact sets to a model and adjust the maximum movement of multiple parts. This can enhance the professionalism of a product design and avoid unnecessary movement. Regarding the overall project, as a proof of concept I think this final design fulfills my original idea. To enhance this finished version, the visual renders could be incorporated into the branding side of my solution idea and tie all the elements together. This could be in a poster and social media post etc.

ART DESK PRODUCT CONCEPT - Final Visualizations

The visuals below bring all the elements of my 'art group' idea to life. The poster showcases several features of the art desk, including the folding and storage elements. The illustration of a person with the desk will help the user associate with the product and imagine its size. The content is composed similarly to the 'art group' branding, the bold and block colored sections balance out the written information.

Overall, think this poster has a simple but informative design. It equally promotes the group and desk, yet also shows clear indication of its purpose of offering a service to the target audience. The improvements could be to create additional visuals that offer more product focus, similar to product or furniture advertisements of companies like Ikea and Argos.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The opportunity to make arts relevant within this project was very enjoyable, as painting and drawing are my favorite pastimes. The main part to take away is how it has reinforced my aspirations to design something that could improve the lives of others. It has also has developed my efficiency in CAD modeling and expanded my portfolio into aspects of the design industry I had yet to throughly explore.

The next stage would be to present the improved desk CAD model to send off for further feedback and client insights. Another area that could be explored is making a mock website and social platform. Alongside printed media to test and survey the reach to the target audience of both aspects. These could be references for a project or industry work in the future.

See links below to the case study report and RSA presented version of the case study design solution.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The aim of the group client project was to test our ability to choose a project based on our own preference and specialism. Rather than be influenced by our peers. I chose the virtual exhibition brief, as I was attracted by the gallery element and enjoyed previous work on exhibition design. The basis of the project was to design and develop a virtual exhibition space to present work of digital media students (DMD).

My role was the design of the 2D/3D architectural drawings to create the exhibition environment, along with the main research and other CAD modeling. See link to the working interactive application at the end of this project section.

INITIAL IDEAS

These sketches show the beginnings of ideas and considerations of the project. This included planning the structure of the tasks in relation to the group specialisms. This was vital as we were starting the idea from scratch. The basic design process consisted of initial ideas & research, CAD 2D & 3D space design drawings, CAD interior model assets, design visual & user interface assets, develop & program virtual gallery space, and finally prep for client websites.

RESEARCH & INSPIRATION

The mood board visually represents the multiple areas of investigation for the project, such as existing virtual and non- virtual exhibitions. This and other reference research was important in gathering inspiration to apply within our own exhibition design.

PRIMARY RESEARCH

Researching virtual exhibitions was obviously important for the project, with the final outcome in a similar format. However, observation of real life gallery spaces offered key primary insights. The gallery I visited for this project was The Tate Modern, and captured the most common features around the exhibition spaces. These were high ceilings, spot lights, seating areas, description graphics, and plinths.

USER INTERACTION

Another key area to cover within the design process was user-interaction and ergonomic considerations. The appearance of an exhibition space and presented works can have a direct impact on how an exhibit is perceived. However, the function and layout of an exhibition is equally as vital in providing a positive user experience. Even, in the case of designing a non-physical gallery space.

Some of the data I collected was from existing museum display guides, and covered the basic guidelines for object displays in galleries. This directed the consideration of the height of displays (for all eye heights), the size of text/font choice (usability), and space orientation (ease of movement).

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

The final aspect to research was sustainable considerations, in how this can be applied and acknowledged within our exhibition design. The idea behind this project was to digitally show the work of students, that would normally be hosted in a real annual event within the DMD department. Last years exhibition was sadly canceled because of COVID-19 restrictions. However, this change is more beneficial to the environment, with virtual events causing little to no waste and have minimal running costs.

The biggest contributor to the carbon footprint of a physical event is travel, making up about 90% of the total emissions produced by an average event. Social considerations of exhibition design include how a space can impact human health and wellbeing (considering green features/aesthetic).

CLIENT PERSONAS

The target audience for this project is a wide range of users. These include, potential employers/business in industry, future students, parents and various parties within the University of Winchester. The cards below visually represent these users and will help shape the design to their possible preferences.

INITIAL VISUALISATION

The illustration shows a quick mock up that combines all of the elements mentioned within the research. The small areas of colour and visual features will help fuel the design work in the later stages of the project.

INITIAL SKETCHES & FLOOR SURVEY

The space being recreated is the digital media floor in the West Downs building. The original floor plans for this level (pictured below) had slight structural differences to the existing floor design. So, an initial site survey and sketches were required to help start the architectural process. These changes were added directly to the current plans and were recorded to get a rough scale of the level.

FINALISED SKETCHES

The schematic sketches below show a more accurate representation of the space, ready to take into a digital format. With additional dimensions for the length and height of the floor, as well as measurements for the windows and doors.

INITIAL 2D CAD DRAWINGS

The initial 2D drawings were created on AutoCAD, as the this is the best software for clean and quick graphic drawings. These sketches are in a simple ‘bone’ format, without wall thickness, with the purpose of checking the accuracy of the total plan dimensions. To see the finished drawing in better quality (the jpeg is just for visual reference) click the button below!

CLICK ME FOR INITIAL 2D DRAWING PLANS SHEET

2D CAD DEVELOPMENT & FINAL DRAWINGS

For the purposes of this virtual project, this accurate plan drawing is being modeled from a more refined version of the existing level. The walls (lines in center of drawing) within the main class room areas have been removed to help to open up the space.

However, the external areas have been recorded to make the architectural drawings as accurate as possible for good practice. The plan also includes reference to the height of the ceiling level. To see the finished drawing in better quality (the jpeg is just for visual reference) click the button below!

CLICK ME FOR 2D DRAWING PLANS SHEET

INITIAL 3D ENVIRONMENT PLANS

At this stage of the project, the final 2D plans of the environment were taken into ARCHICAD. The 3D visualization abilities of this software fit the 'professional' aesthetic specified in the client brief. It was also my first time using the software, the initial stages of making the walls and first render of the exhibition space is captured below. This lack of understanding had limited impact on the progress of my work, as the regular experience offered a greater depth of knowledge. I was learning and adapting as I went along.

In comparison to the previous version, there is a clear flow within each section of the design. A sense of direction and ability to walk around is key to for a positive user experience. To see the finished drawing in better quality (the jpeg is just for visual reference) click the button below.

The rendered 3D views of the final shell are also pictured below. Even at this stage the design looks very fresh and is now ready for interior contents.

CLICK ME FOR FINAL 2D FLOOR DRAWING SHEET

SPACE LAYOUT DESIGNS

In order plan the best interior layout and object compositions within the space, I developed concept interior designs. These are a ‘Gallery’ and ‘Collaborative’ concepts, inspired by the primary research and examples from plans of previous university shows. Just to note, the object models present within these visuals are ARCHICAD objects. These assets were used to help get a feel for how areas within space could function and to focus more time on modeling.

'GALLERY SPACE'

The theme of the first interior concept design was inspired by existing gallery layouts. Consisting of points of interest and features such as seats and plants. As well as the placement of plinths and wall canvases for the students work to be presented on. The beams in the design add to this 'gallery' aesthetic, and bring more character into the space. To see the finished drawing in better quality (the jpeg is just for visual reference) click the button below!

CLICK ME FOR 2D GALLERY SPACE SHEET

CLICK ME FOR 3D GALLERY SPACE SHEET

'COLLABORATIVE SPACE'

For this concept, the theme is based on more of a ‘classroom feel’. There is a combination of a table and plinth areas for group projects, or to present prototype models. Other features include entrance objects, such as signs that would offer places for visual design. An interactive computer area would also offer users the option to download images of 'merchandise' like virtual stickers.

Although, compared to the previous ‘Gallery’ concept, the choice to add extra items may detract from flow and relaxation of the space. To see the finished drawing in better quality (the jpeg is just for visual reference) click the button below!

CLICK ME FOR 2D COLLAB SPACE SHEET

CLICK ME FOR 3D COLLAB SPACE SHEET

FINALISED SPACE MODEL

This final model for the virtual environment marks the end of the architectural design for this project. It combines the best features from both concept layouts. Including the tables from the 'collaborative ' design, and the consideration of space from the 'gallery' design. These features bring together different areas to present work, whilst still matching the open plan appearance of a real gallery. To see the finished drawing in better quality (the jpeg is just for visual reference) click the button below!

CLICK ME FOR 2D FINAL EXHIBITION SPACE SHEET

CLICK ME FOR 3D FINAL EXHIBITION SPACE SHEET

The video above (made in Twinmotion) shows a mini tour and visualization of the final design in 3D. This software was fun to use and the quality of the model was perfectly maintained. The next stage of the project will be designing our own interior objects and developing this design into an interactive application.

INTERIOR CAD MODELS

The other CAD aspect within the project was the interior model design. Although the architectural plans were my main role in the project, the other CAD team member allowed me to take on a few of the models myself. These were a plinth, a display sign and a plant. The software choice for these objects was Fusion 360, as the rendering functionalities makes the final outcome look presentable and would keep the quality consistent with ARCHICAD.

INITIAL SKETCHES

The sketches below show my initial ideas for the appearance of these objects. With other items associated with a gallery space to help inform the ideation process further.

VISUAL RESEARCH & IDEATION SKETCHES

Some quick visual research helped to inspire the appearances and sizing of each object. Even if they aren't real items, this referencing is important for consistency in the digital environment. Once I found the average dimensions of a plant pot, the scaling of the leaves and the rest of the model was easy. There were multiple options for plinth sizes, and looking existing gallery objects aided in finding the most suitable height. The endless range of sign post products were excellent references for my own design, the sign board was A2 to match the visual assets being made by the project designer.

FINAL SERIES OF MODELS DESIGNED BY ME

The series of spreadsheets and renders below show the finished models. These were not very difficult to reproduce, as the original objects consisted of minimal components. The sign model for example had three parts of a stand, pole and sign board. Areas were embellished with features, such as fillets and raised edges, to make the model appear more realistic. This appearance was enhanced by the final material choice, and the shiny chrome on the base of the sign brings the whole model together.

The plinth model was the easiest to construct, as the basis of shape was cube. Plinths in a commercial setting come in a wide range of styles. The most common, according to my research was white with smooth edges. For this model, a grey texture avoids it being overlooked within the exhibition environment. This colour choice will make the model stand out as an interactive element and is key for a good user experience.

The plant model was the most time consuming object to create. The organic shapes within a plant are not easily achieved in a graphic modeling software. The leaves and stems were made using multiple tools to manipulate each component together. This included the patten and move tool, to recreate the curved and random appearance of plants in real life. The pot was the least challenging part, and added contrast to the rounded shapes within the rest of the model.

Overall, even though these models weren't my main role in the project they still offered good software practice. Attempting an organic object would of been daunting prior to the project, but I now know that with perseverance these types of models can be attempted. I also enjoyed researching dimensional and detailed references, even if the object was not difficult to make. There was still an educative element in the design process.

VISUAL ASSET & USER INTERFACE DESIGN

The sketches below show the visual content for the project. This includes UI, such as a menu and map, along with a prefabricated template for the student blurbs (placed next to each exhibit). Although these weren't my roles in the project, I still contributed to the process and helped to generate ideas with the other team members.

DEVELOPMENT FOR INTERACTIVITY & TESTING

Similarly to the design aspect of the project, the development of the environment for interactivity was not my role in the project. However, I still helped to plan out the contents needed to optimize the experience for the user. Along with how they would interact throughout the exhibition journey. The drawing below shows these ideas, including glowing areas for prompts and clear pointers to easily guide the user around the space.

PROJECT OUTCOME & FINAL THOUGHTS

Overall, the project outcome was a successful working proof of concept. It was exciting to see the idea come into reality, even if designing from scratch was scary at first. It was also a good opportunity to practice knowledge within our own skill sets, but also learn other disciplines with the design industry. Along with the chance to contribute to the university and help create the basis of something that will benefit future students.

Even though our team lacked a developer, the efforts in programming for interactivity a substantial level. The improvements to the exhibition could be the involvement of other students, with creative influence or general feedback to encompass the values of the university further.

The elements that made up final outcome of this project are linked in the hand over document below. These assets are present in a accessible Google Drive folder. The next steps of the project, after communicating with the client, are for it to be implemented as part of the efforts for the end of year show.

3D SHAPE RECREATION

To help keep up our CAD knowledge and practice, we were often set mini tasks by our lectures to create models on Fusion 360. The outcome of the first task is listed below. These three models were inspired by images of 3D objects, recreated in our own interpretation.

The aim of the task was to make me consider the process of visualizing the shapes and tools that could be used make them. These were all fairly easy to mock up, apart from understanding how to sketch the construction for the two mirrored half pipes (see first model). This required a sketch object, as well as a 3D command (revolve) in order to achieve the pipe shape. This task has improved my interpretation skills and use of construction sketches to best achieve the desired outcome.

HOUSE & GARAGE

This architectural task was the outcome of the training sessions for the software ARCHICAD. As mentioned in the virtual exhibition project, I was unaware of this software prior to semester two. However, the creation process of the model presented below, starting from scratch to the final sheet, has now made it one of my favorite CAD softwares.

The task consisted of recreating an existing concept model of a house and garage. This was started by drawing the 2D layouts for each level, whilst adding interior and exterior objects. Creating a section of land mesh for the building to sit on, introduced the 3D environment. The most challenging part was editing the roof using the subtraction tool, although once understood this tool helped to separate these elements away. As well as building, the use of cameras and scaled views were useful to present multiple aspects of a drawing within a title block page. These show the drawing in 2D and 3D visualizations.

To see the finished ARCHICAD drawing in better quality (the jpeg is just for visual reference) click the button below!

LAMP

Now with an understanding the basics of Fusion 360, this task introduced the joint and assembly components of the software. The aim was to adapt a basic lamp design, whilst incorporating a movable shade head. For my model I altered the design to the style of an old fashioned office desk lamp. The final outcome is very clean and classy, the shiny materials added to the realistic look of the design.

Assembling the shade, arm and base parts together was easy to do with the handy dimensioning tool. Although applying joints to the shade and ball socket inside arm was more time consuming. It was initially confusing to apply the right joint on the correct surface and bring each component together. The completion of this task has increased my understanding of this concept, and aspiration to use joints within my next model in Fusion 360.

2D GEOMETRIC SHAPE

The final CAD task was to incorporate a set shape within any object, and animate the final model. The reference image can be seen below in the visual research sheet, and inspired my decision to design a piece of jewelery. After sketching some ring designs, I found incorporating the shape into the center piece was the most effective silhouette. I also researched some average band and style dimensions of existing rings, using my own jewelery as an extra reference. This was to aim to scale the model and its components within the correct sizing to possibly fit a human finger.

The creation of the ring was fun and without major difficulties. This time, remembering from previous models, I completed the 2D sketches before starting to make 3D forms. I enjoyed the independence of choosing an object and the opportunity to make it inspired by personal possessions.

The only tricky part was bringing all the components together, as the control cube (in Fusion 360) can be temperamental when moving around the environment. Adding a joint to the pink 'jewel' made the center points easier to locate and brought the parts together. This also meant the finished model would have an extra motion feature when animated (see video at the end). The animation environment was similar to the user interface menu in Adobe Photoshop and so was not complicated to use.

Overall, the final model looks highly life-like and has a unique design. The center 'jewel' most importantly represents the original 2D shape. The only areas that could be changed are the sharp edges and lines on the cage surrounding this 'jewel'. These are possibly too harsh and contrast negatively with the curved shapes throughout the rest of the model. However, the pink center piece and gold metal finish detract from this style choice, and are similar to features within real rings.