Welcome to our uh Deep dive into the fascinating world of design modeling I'm sure you're all interested in how a designer takes an idea from their imagination and turns it into a real product absolutely that's what we're going to be looking at today our source material is a report called modeling in design process advantages and model selection okay and it really highlights just how essential models are in making that Journey from idea to reality happen get ready to be surprised though because we're not just talking about those fancy architectural models you might be picturing yeah it's it's funny you should say that when we hear the word model we often think of a tiny building or a miniature car right but in the design World modeling is so much bigger than that it really is models are used in almost every stage of the design process so let's uh unpack that a bit how do models actually fit into the design process our report breaks it down into three key stages okay and I'm Keen to explore where models really come into their own well the first stage is all about generating and EXP exploring ideas right and this is where models really become like an extension of the designer's Mind think about an architect sketching a skyscraper those initial drawings they make are like very rough models capturing the basic essence of the design and then they might create a physical scale model which helps them to visualize the building's form and how it interacts with the surrounding environment so even those very early stages we're already seeing different types of models working together to shape a design EX exactly and this initial exploration isn't limited to massive structures either think about smartphone designers they might start with quick sketches to try out different screen sizes and button layouts oh yeah and then they might move on to 3D printed block models to get a sense of how the phone actually feels in your hand that makes so much sense you wouldn't want to commit to a final design for a phone without actually holding it and getting a feel for how it fits in your hand no you wouldn't especially for something we use so often absolutely and and these early models are also great for collaboration imagine a group of designers gathered around a table sketching ideas and building rough prototypes together yeah it becomes a very Dynamic process where models really become a shared language for the team helping them to communicate and refine ideas much more quickly it sounds like models are so much more than just visual representations oh they are they're tools for collaboration and problem solving right from the beginning of the design process but what happens then when we move on from those initial Sparks of inspiration to actually testing and refining the design that's where things get really serious yeah that's the second stage of the design process and it's where models really prove their worth particularly when it comes to avoiding costly mistakes later on imagine building a bridge based solely on drawings what if there's a hidden structural flaw that only becomes apparent during construction I don't even want to think about that right the stakes are high it's a lot of pressure so to mitigate those risks designers often rely on models for testing for example they might build a scale model of a bridge okay and then subject it to simulated wind loads or stress tests yeah which allows them to identify any potential weaknesses and improve the design before they commit to actually building the real thing it's like a dress rehearsal exactly for the real thing it lets designers identify and fix any problems in a controlled environment before it's too late that's right now what about products that people interact with directly so something like a car or a piece of furniture yeah how do models help to ensure that those designs are safe and comfortable for the user that's where block models become really useful remember we talked about those earlier car designers for example might create a full size block model of a car's interior they'll use foam or wood to represent the seats the dashboard and the steering wheel then they'll have real people sit in the model so they can provide feedback on things like comfort and ergonomics it's like a test drive before the car even exists I can see how that would be so valuable for making sure that the design is actually userfriendly precisely and and with advancements in 3D printing designers can now create more and more sophisticated block models ones that incorporate moving parts and adjustable features which allows for even more detailed testing so we've seen how models can help generate ideas right and then they help to rigorously test those ideas but there's still one very important stage left communicating those designs to others how do models play a role in that that's the third stage of the process okay this is where models transition from being tools for internal development to being powerful communication tools for clients stakeholders and even the general public think about an architect who needs to present a new Museum design to the city council a beautifully made scale model can instantly convey the building's Grandeur and how it will impact the surrounding area in a way that drawings just can't a miniature work of art that tells the story of the design a way that anyone can understand and appreciate EXC you don't have to be an architect to get it you don't and it's not just about Aesthetics is it those models can also communicate the important functional aspects of the design they can for instance that architectural model might have working lights to show how natural light will flow through the Museum oh wow or it might have sections you can remove that reveal the internal layout of the building and how people will move through it's like a guided tour of the building before it's even built exactly what about for products that are more about how they feel and how they work so something like a new ergonomic office chair right how do models work there I think in those cases a physical prototype is the most effective way to communicate the benefits of the design imagine a potential buyer actually sitting in that chair experiencing its adjustability and comfort firsthand no amount of drawings or explanations could replace that so it seems that models are like the ultimate storytellers in the design world yeah I like that they weave together the aesthetic the functionality and the user experience of design in a way that words just can't I'm still really curious though about how designers actually choose the right model for the job especially with so many different types to choose from that's a great question it's something that our report explores in quite a bit of detail each type of model has its own strengths and weaknesses okay and choosing the right one really depends on what stage you're at in the design process and also what your specific goals are so it's like a designer's toolkit yeah with each model serving a unique purpose I'm really looking forward to learning more about those different types and how they play a role in shaping the world around us okay let's do it welcome back to our Deep dive into design modeling oh it's great to be back you know I'm still thinking about all those different ways that models are used throughout the design process it's like they're the unsung heroes quietly shaping everything from the skyscrapers we see to the smartphones we use every day you know you're absolutely right they really are the unsung heroes and as we start looking at these different types of models in more detail you'll see just how specialized they can be yeah each one has its own strengths and weaknesses and our report actually calls this section the model showcase it highlights those unique characteristics of each type of model okay so why don't we start with Sketch models okay those are the quick sketches is in the rough prototypes we talked about a little bit earlier right it seems like they're perfect for those early brainstorming sessions when the ideas are flowing and you just need to get them down quickly exactly sketch models are all about speed and fluidity they let designers explore a wide range of ideas without getting bogged down in the details too early think of them as visual shorthand capturing the essence of an idea before it's fully formed it's like the initial spark of a Melody before it's been arranged into a full Symphony exactly and because sketch models are usually made from cheap and readily available materials things like paper cardboard foam they're really costeffective so designers can experiment and make changes quickly without spending a lot of money that's so important in those early stages it lets you really play around with different ideas and see what works without the pressure of having to create something super polished absolutely so they're great for those wh if moments in the design process trying out all sorts different concepts and seeing what sticks I like that now when it's time to move on from those initial Explorations and you want to present a more refined concept yeah it seems like Scale Models often take Center Stage they do these are the ones that really capture the imagination especially when you see them in fields like architecture or product design right they're like miniaturized versions of the final product often with Incredible detail and precision yeah scale models are all about creating a tangible representation of the design something you can actually hold in your hand and experience from different angles it's like you're stepping into a miniature world yeah you get a sense of the scale the proportion the overall look and feel of the final product exactly and because they're often made with so much attention to detail they're really effective in communicating a design Vision to clients stakeholders and even the general public yeah they really showcase the Artistry and the craftsmanship of the designer absolutely they're like the show pieces of the design world now when it's time to really test the functionality and the ergonomics of a design we turn to I guess the workhorses of the modeling World those block models we do I feel like these are the ones that sometimes get overlooked they do but they play such a crucial role in ensuring a design is comfortable userfriendly that it actually works as intended absolutely block models are all about stripping away the unnecessary details and focusing on the core functionality of the design so you can use them to test things like how a product fits in your hand how easily a door swings open how comfortably you can sit in a chair they're like the unsung heroes making sure that everything functions smoothly before you move on to more refined prototypes exactly and because they're typically made from cheap materials like foam or wood you can make changes and adjustments easily and affordably it's like having a testing ground where you can really experiment and fine-tune those essential aspects of the design exactly now finally we have to talk about the the digital powerhouses of the modeling world right the computer generated models yes I mean these have really revolutionized the design process they allow for a level of precision and complexity that was unimaginable before absolutely computer generated models live in a virtual world where designers can manipulate them with Incredible accuracy right they can test them under a wide range of conditions and even simulate how they'll perform over time like having a virtual laboratory yeah you can experiment with different materials try out different designs and really push the boundaries of what's possible you can and with advances in software and computing power these models are becoming increasingly sophisticated designers can now simulate things like crash tests analyze performance in different weather conditions and even see how different materials will wear and tear over time wow it's like they can fast forward through the entire lifespan of a product and identify any potential problems before it even exists exists in the real world exactly but even with all the power that digital modeling offers it's important to remember that each type of model has its own unique place in the design process yeah it's like having a well stocked toolkit each tool serves a specific purpose right so sketch models are great for those early brainstorming sessions and for exploring different concepts Scale Models excel at communicating design visions and getting people excited about the project block models are essential for making sure things work properly and are comfortable to use and computer generated models allow for incredible Precision analysis and simulation so it's not about choosing one type of model over another it's about understanding the strengths of each one and using them strategically throughout the entire design process exactly and in the final part of our Deep dive we'll see how these models are used in action in various industries from smartphone design to car design to architecture ooh I can't wait to see them in action bringing those ideas to life let's do it welcome back to the final part of our Deep dive into design modeling it's been great exploring those different types of models and how they fit into the process yeah now we get to see those models in action let's do it our report highlights three main areas smartphones cars and architecture where models are just crucial okay I'm excited to see how they're used to create the things we see and use every single day well why don't we start with smartphones I mean pretty much everyone has one in their pocket these days yeah it's amazing to think about the journey from the initial spark of an idea in a designer's mind to the Sleek device we hold in our hands I know it's incredible so how do those early ideas actually get translated into a physical product well it all starts with those early sketches you know just capturing that basic form exploring different screen sizes button layouts even thinking about different materials for the casing okay and then those sketches might evolve into some really rough prototypes just simple mockups using basic materials to get a sense of the phone's size and shape so they're already thinking about things like ergonomics at that stage oh absolutely you know how does it feel in your hand yeah how easy is it to reach the buttons all those things and then as the design progresses they move on to more sophisticated models exactly and they might use 3D printing to create prototypes that are much closer to that final product oh wow and these models allow the designers to actually test things like the placement of the ports and the speed speakers get the feel of those buttons and even see how the phone works with different accessories so they're really bringing the design to life stepbystep they are they're making sure every little detail is thought through and alongside those physical models are they also working on computer generated models at the same time oh yeah for sure okay those digital models let the designers simulate things like the internal components you know test the software even see how the phone will hold up under stress it's like they're putting it through its Paces in a virtual world before it even exists in the real one exactly and speaking of real world performance why don't we move on to car design okay yeah models play a big role there too everything from the look of the car to how it moves through the air I've always been fascinated by how car designers blend that Artistry and Engineering to create those amazing Vehicles it's a real Balancing Act you have to have both Form and Function yeah and models are a key part of achieving that balance so where do they start it often begins with sketches and clay models where the designers can play around with different shapes and proportions right really capturing the character of the car it's like they're sculpting the wind yeah that's a great way to put it trying to find that Perfect Blend of aerodynamic efficiency and visual appeal as the design takes shape those initial models get translated into more refine prototypes okay and they'll often use a mix of traditional and Cutting Edge techniques so you might have full skin clay models to perfect those curves and surfaces while at the same time using computer models to analyze the aerodynamics and the structural Integrity of the car so they're using both the physical and the digital world to create something that's both beautiful and functional absolutely and those computer models are getting so Advanced these days yeah designers can simulate crash tests analyze how the car performs in different weather conditions and even see how different materials are going to hold up over time it's like they can predict the ire life of the car before it's even built that's right finally let's talk about architecture where models have been an essential tool for well centuries helping Architects to bring their grand Visions to life those architectural models are always so impressive they are the detail the scale it's con it's like you're looking at a miniature City yeah they're works of art and their own right but they're also so much more than that right they're tools for communication for collaboration for solving problems yeah they help Architects to share their ideas with clients with stakeholders with the public I bet it's pretty powerful to show a client a scale model of their future home or office building oh absolutely it gives them a way to experience that space in three dimensions yeah to get a feel for the flow the light all of that even before the first brick is laid exactly and those models are not just static objects they can incorporate things like lighting to show how natural light will move through the building they can have removable sections to show the internal layout amazing they can even be used to test different materials and finishes it's like getting a sneak peek into the future of that building it is and with all the advancements in 3D printing and virtual reality those models are getting even more immersive and interactive yeah I can imagine Architects can now create incredibly detailed models that you can actually experience through a virtual reality headset you can walk through the building it's amazing interact with different features and even make design changes in real time it's like stepping right into the architect's imagination exactly so as our Deep dive comes to an end I hope you've gained a new appreciation for the power of models in the design process I definitely have there's so much more than just miniature representations they're these incredible tools for exploration for communication for Innovation that's right they're shaping the world around us in so many ways they really are so next time you see a cool new smartphone phone a beautifully designed car or an amazing skyscraper think about all the models that help bring that creation to life great point and that brings us to the end of our Deep dive into design modeling thanks for joining us