#SolidWorks Magic

[prototechsolutionsblog]

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[watery-melon-baller]

hmmm.

[fagtainsparklez]

currently watching my boyfriend just work in solidworks and i literally can feel myself being cocomelon’d. this shit is downright magical

[gildedheartstudio]

Hi! I'm the artist behind Gilded Heart Studio.

I don’t really know what to call the things I make. Artifacts, maybe. Relics. Little personal myths or strange stories that happen to take physical form.

This whole thing started as a side project—a way to make the kinds of objects I couldn’t stop thinking about. Things that didn’t fit anywhere else. A little world inside a glass turtle. A stone heart engraved in 24k gold. Giant dice that feel like they came from a ruined temple. I like making pieces that feel excavated from a world that doesn’t exist. A relic from another timeline. Or something you find in the woods, half-covered in moss, humming with old magic.

My design process is chaotic. I don’t sketch something perfect and then build it. I chase an idea until it stops running. Most pieces go through 10–20 failed prototypes before they settle into themselves. Some stay unfinished for months—or years—until I learn the technique that finally unlocks them. I’ve learned to be okay with that.

I’m an engineering student, so yes, I do put those SolidWorks and Fusion classes to use (ask me how many times I’ve crashed the school computer trying to make a mold from a complex mesh). But these days I lean more into Nomad Sculpt, Blender, or honestly just sketching in a notebook like a little Victorian gremlin.

I love contrast. Hard with soft. Ancient with futuristic. Something brutal and minimal that still makes you feel something. I love when a piece feels like it’s from a civilization far more advanced—and more poetic—than ours. And what I really love about engineering is how sometimes, when it’s done right, it feels like magic. Like you’re holding something impossible in your hand. And maybe it didn’t come from math or code—maybe it came from putting old things together in a new way.

Every piece is made by me. Every design starts with a question.

Thanks for being here. I hope, as you wander through this little world I’ve built, something here makes you pause. Makes you feel. Makes you wonder. And maybe it brings a little magic to your world too.

[practicalsolutions]

Hehehe. I get to put on my little security pass, and get my solidworks reference books, and work on making cool drawings of the 'magic boxes' that they have no expectation of me ever understanding.

It's great that they don't expect me to get what all that circuitry does.

I am still determined to find out. :)

[coulson-is-an-avenger]

[ID: A photo of the SolidWorks menu bar, showing icons for various shaping commands, such as "swept cut", "revolved cut", "boundary cut", "lofted cut", and "hole wizard". The hole wizard icon is a symbol of a square block with a circular hole punched through, and a magic wand tapping on it. Hole wizard has a drop down menu, which shows four options: Hole Wizard, Advanced Hole, Thread, and Stud Wizard. End ID.]

🪄🕳

[forbiddenfragmentgypsy]

You Wanna Be a Design Engineer? Here's What You're Really Signing Up For!

If you think design engineers just sit in AC offices clicking away on CAD software while sipping coffee… well, okay, sometimes that's true. But there's a lot more to it — and spoiler alert: it involves brainpower, patience, teamwork, and a love-hate relationship with deadlines.

Let’s break it down — human to human.

 A) What Does a Design Engineer Actually Do (Besides Fighting with CAD)?

1. Comes Up with Cool Ideas

Design starts with the brain. A client says, “We need this widget to do this magic.” Your job? Make the magic happen — on paper first. Expect lots of sketches, wild ideas, and maybe a few “Wait, what if we just…?” moments.

2.  Becomes Best Friends with CAD

If you're not vibing with CATIA, SolidWorks, or UG-NX, you’re in the wrong room. You’ll be modeling, dimensioning, zooming in 3000% just to fix a tiny fillet. Tip: Ctrl+Z will become your favorite move.

3.  Builds & Breaks Things (Intentionally)

Next comes testing. You either build a prototype or run simulations to see if your “brilliant idea” survives real-world conditions. Sometimes it does. Sometimes it breaks. You learn. You cry. You design again.

4.  Talks. A Lot.

Design engineers spend half the time discussing things with R&D, production, and quality teams. Because what works on screen doesn't always work on the shop floor — and trust us, the shop floor folks will let you know loud and clear.

5.  Writes the Boring but Important Stuff

Drawings. BOMs. Assembly instructions. Documentation. Not exactly thrilling — but super important. Because without it, no one knows what you made, how to build it, or where to bolt that last screw.

 B) Career Scope: Where Can This Crazy Ride Take You?

 Job Titles You Might Hold

CAD Engineer, Design Engineer, Product Developer, or eventually, someone who says “Back in my day, we used a mouse to draw everything…”

 Industries That Want You

Auto, aerospace, appliances, robotics, heavy machinery, medical devices — basically any industry that builds physical products.

 Why It’s a Solid Career

Machines are evolving. Designs are changing. New products come out every week. That means more opportunities for people who can bring ideas to life (aka YOU).

Specialization = More Power

Want to be the go-to plastic parts guy? Or a BIW sheet metal champ? Specializing gets you deeper into niche roles and leadership positions — plus cooler job titles.

 Bonus: Freelance & Consulting

Once you’ve got the experience, you can freelance or consult. Imagine being your own boss, working on multiple projects, and charging by the hour (yes, the dream is real).

 C) Honest Tips If You're Serious About This

1. Master at Least One CAD Tool

You don’t need to learn them all — just pick one and go deep. Learn the shortcuts, the tricks, and the workarounds like your life depends on it (because your job might).

 2. Pay Attention to the Tiny Details

That 0.2mm error? It’ll cost you hours later in redesign. Trust us. The devil really is in the dimensions.

 3. Learn How Stuff Gets Made

Knowing how your design will be manufactured is game-changing. A good design looks cool. A great design works, is cheap, and can actually be built.

 4. Be a Puzzle Solver

If fixing problems gives you a dopamine rush, welcome home. Whether it's interference errors or strength failures — you’ll have puzzles to solve every day.

5. Be a Team Player

This is not a lone-wolf role. You’ll work with every department and probably get blamed by all of them at some point. Stay calm, fix the issue, and grab some chai.

 Final Thoughts (No Corporate Buzzwords, Promise)

Design engineering is where ideas become reality — but it’s not always pretty. Some days you’ll feel like a genius, others like a frustrated intern. But if you love solving problems, making things better, and leaving your mark on actual products, this job is for you.

Oh, and one more thing —

[saltycrestsatyr]

You Wanna Be a Design Engineer? Here's What You're Really Signing Up For!

If you think design engineers just sit in AC offices clicking away on CAD software while sipping coffee… well, okay, sometimes that's true. But there's a lot more to it — and spoiler alert: it involves brainpower, patience, teamwork, and a love-hate relationship with deadlines.

Let’s break it down — human to human.

 A) What Does a Design Engineer Actually Do (Besides Fighting with CAD)?

1. Comes Up with Cool Ideas

Design starts with the brain. A client says, “We need this widget to do this magic.” Your job? Make the magic happen — on paper first. Expect lots of sketches, wild ideas, and maybe a few “Wait, what if we just…?” moments.

2.  Becomes Best Friends with CAD

If you're not vibing with CATIA, SolidWorks, or UG-NX, you’re in the wrong room. You’ll be modeling, dimensioning, zooming in 3000% just to fix a tiny fillet. Tip: Ctrl+Z will become your favorite move.

3.  Builds & Breaks Things (Intentionally)

Next comes testing. You either build a prototype or run simulations to see if your “brilliant idea” survives real-world conditions. Sometimes it does. Sometimes it breaks. You learn. You cry. You design again.

4.  Talks. A Lot.

Design engineers spend half the time discussing things with R&D, production, and quality teams. Because what works on screen doesn't always work on the shop floor — and trust us, the shop floor folks will let you know loud and clear.

5.  Writes the Boring but Important Stuff

Drawings. BOMs. Assembly instructions. Documentation. Not exactly thrilling — but super important. Because without it, no one knows what you made, how to build it, or where to bolt that last screw.

 B) Career Scope: Where Can This Crazy Ride Take You?

 Job Titles You Might Hold

CAD Engineer, Design Engineer, Product Developer, or eventually, someone who says “Back in my day, we used a mouse to draw everything…”

 Industries That Want You

Auto, aerospace, appliances, robotics, heavy machinery, medical devices — basically any industry that builds physical products.

 Why It’s a Solid Career

Machines are evolving. Designs are changing. New products come out every week. That means more opportunities for people who can bring ideas to life (aka YOU).

Specialization = More Power

Want to be the go-to plastic parts guy? Or a BIW sheet metal champ? Specializing gets you deeper into niche roles and leadership positions — plus cooler job titles.

 Bonus: Freelance & Consulting

Once you’ve got the experience, you can freelance or consult. Imagine being your own boss, working on multiple projects, and charging by the hour (yes, the dream is real).

 C) Honest Tips If You're Serious About This

1. Master at Least One CAD Tool

You don’t need to learn them all — just pick one and go deep. Learn the shortcuts, the tricks, and the workarounds like your life depends on it (because your job might).

 2. Pay Attention to the Tiny Details

That 0.2mm error? It’ll cost you hours later in redesign. Trust us. The devil really is in the dimensions.

 3. Learn How Stuff Gets Made

Knowing how your design will be manufactured is game-changing. A good design looks cool. A great design works, is cheap, and can actually be built.

 4. Be a Puzzle Solver

If fixing problems gives you a dopamine rush, welcome home. Whether it's interference errors or strength failures — you’ll have puzzles to solve every day.

5. Be a Team Player

This is not a lone-wolf role. You’ll work with every department and probably get blamed by all of them at some point. Stay calm, fix the issue, and grab some chai.

 Final Thoughts (No Corporate Buzzwords, Promise)

Design engineering is where ideas become reality — but it’s not always pretty. Some days you’ll feel like a genius, others like a frustrated intern. But if you love solving problems, making things better, and leaving your mark on actual products, this job is for you.

Oh, and one more thing — Never underestimate the power of a Ctrl+S.

[ricardojebbbruno]

Ricardo Jebb Bruno - A Structural CAD Technician

Ricardo Jebb Bruno is a Structural CAD Technician at Metrix Structural Group with expertise in AutoCAD, Revit, and SolidWorks. With over a decade of experience, he also dedicates time to volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and mentoring high school students in STEM programs. Outside of work, Ricardo enjoys hobbies like 3D printing, trading card games such as Magic the Gathering, and strategy video games. His passion for sci-fi media and culture fuels his creativity and technical interests.

[lakshmiglobal]

Best Workstation for Graphic Design

A graphic design workstation needs a powerful processor, high-end GPU, color-accurate display, and fast storage to handle demanding software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and After Effects. Here are the best options based on performance, budget, and portability:

1. High-Performance Workstations for Graphic Designers

Ideal for professionals handling large design projects, 3D rendering, and video editing.

🔹 Apple Mac Studio (M2 Ultra / M2 Max)

CPU: Apple M2 Ultra / M2 Max (up to 24-core CPU)

GPU: Integrated 76-core GPU (Ultra)

RAM: Up to 192GB Unified Memory

Storage: Up to 8TB SSD

Best For: Adobe Creative Suite, 4K video editing, and high-resolution graphic design.

Why Choose It? Optimized for macOS, ultra-fast performance, and excellent power efficiency.

🔹 Dell Precision 5820 / 7865

CPU: Intel Core i9 / AMD Threadripper PRO

GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4000 / AMD Radeon Pro

RAM: Up to 512GB DDR5

Storage: Multiple NVMe SSDs for fast file access

Best For: 3D rendering, VFX, motion graphics, and large design files.

Why Choose It? ISV-certified for Autodesk, Adobe, and SolidWorks.

🔹 HP Z4 G5 Workstation

CPU: Intel Core i9-13900K / AMD Ryzen 9

GPU: NVIDIA RTX A6000 / Radeon Pro W7900

RAM: Up to 256GB DDR5

Storage: Dual NVMe SSDs (RAID support)

Best For: 3D modeling, architectural design, and high-end animation.

Why Choose It? Reliable cooling and expandability for long work sessions.

2. Budget-Friendly Graphic Design Workstations

Great for freelancers, small studios, or startups needing solid performance without breaking the bank.

🔹 Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro)

CPU: Apple M2 Pro (10-core CPU)

GPU: 16-core GPU

RAM: Up to 32GB Unified Memory

Storage: Up to 2TB SSD

Best For: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and basic video editing.

Why Choose It? Affordable macOS workstation with seamless Apple ecosystem integration.

🔹 Dell XPS 8960 Desktop

CPU: Intel Core i7-13700K / i9-13900K

GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4060 / 4070

RAM: Up to 64GB DDR5

Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD + additional SATA storage options

Best For: Entry-level 3D work, UI/UX design, and general graphic work.

Why Choose It? Excellent price-to-performance ratio for designers on a budget.

🔹 Lenovo ThinkStation P360 Ultra

CPU: Intel Core i7 / i9

GPU: NVIDIA RTX A2000 / A4000

RAM: Up to 128GB DDR5

Storage: 1TB SSD (expandable)

Best For: Graphic design, animation, and mid-range 3D modeling.

Why Choose It? Compact, powerful, and ISV-certified for professional software.

3. Portable Workstations for Graphic Design (Laptops)

Perfect for on-the-go designers, digital artists, and video editors who need power and portability.

🔹 Apple MacBook Pro 16” (M3 Max)

CPU: Apple M3 Max (16-core CPU)

GPU: 40-core GPU

RAM: Up to 128GB Unified Memory

Storage: Up to 8TB SSD

Best For: High-end design, 3D rendering, and video production.

Why Choose It? Best color-accurate Retina display and long battery life.

🔹 Dell XPS 17 (2024 Model)

CPU: Intel Core i9-13900H

GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4070

RAM: Up to 64GB DDR5

Storage: 2TB NVMe SSD

Best For: Graphic design, web design, and UI/UX.

Why Choose It? 4K touchscreen display and top-tier build quality.

🔹 Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 1

CPU: Intel Core i9-12950HX

GPU: NVIDIA RTX A5000

RAM: Up to 128GB DDR5

Storage: 2TB SSD (expandable)

Best For: 3D design, architecture, and VFX.

Why Choose It? Durable workstation-class laptop with high-end specs.

4. Essential Peripherals for a Graphic Design Workstation

💻 Monitor: LG UltraFine 5K / Dell UltraSharp 32” 4K – High color accuracy (99% AdobeRGB) ⌨ Keyboard: Logitech MX Keys / Apple Magic Keyboard – Comfortable for long design sessions 🖱 Mouse: Logitech MX Master 3S / Wacom Pen Tablet – Precision control for designers 🎧 Audio: Sony WH-1000XM5 / Bose 700 – Noise-canceling headphones for deep focus

Which Workstation is Right for You?

✔ Professional & High-End Design? → Mac Studio, Dell Precision, HP Z Workstations ✔ Budget-Friendly Yet Powerful? → Mac Mini M2 Pro, Dell XPS 8960, Lenovo P360 Ultra ✔ Portable for On-the-Go Work? → MacBook Pro M3 Max, Dell XPS 17, ThinkPad P16

Best Workstation for Graphic Design

[vizentarchitectural]

Augmented Reality Models: A Game-Changer for Virtual Product Try-Ons

Imagine walking into a virtual store, selecting a product, and instantly seeing how it fits into your life—all without leaving your couch. Sounds futuristic, right? Well, augmented reality (AR) models are making this a reality today! From trying on shoes and glasses to visualizing furniture in your home, AR-powered virtual try-ons are revolutionizing how we shop.

This innovation owes much of its magic to 3D modeling services and 3D product visualization, which play critical roles in creating the lifelike models we interact with in augmented reality environments. Let’s explore how this technology works, its benefits, and why businesses should embrace it.

What Are Augmented Reality Models?

AR models are 3D digital representations of real-world products, designed to be overlaid into a user’s physical environment through a smartphone, tablet, or AR glasses. Unlike traditional 2D product photos, these models offer an interactive experience, allowing customers to rotate, zoom in, and even see how a product fits in real time.

Creating these models requires 3D product modeling services, where skilled designers use specialized software to replicate real-world products with impressive detail. The process ensures that every texture, color, and dimension is true to life, enhancing the realism of AR experiences.

The Role of 3D Product Modeling Services in AR

Developing augmented reality models starts with 3D product modeling services, which transform concepts or real-world objects into digital assets. Here’s how these services bring AR to life:

Precision in Design:

Designers use tools like Blender, Maya, or SolidWorks to create models that match the exact specifications of a product. This precision ensures that when customers view a product through AR, it looks and feels authentic.

Realistic Textures and Materials:

One of the challenges of creating AR models is replicating materials like fabric, metal, or wood. High-quality 3D product visualization adds lifelike textures that mimic real-world materials, making the experience immersive.

Optimization for AR Platforms:

AR apps require models to be lightweight to ensure smooth performance on mobile devices. 3D modeling services optimize models to maintain quality while reducing file sizes.

How AR Models Are Revolutionizing Virtual Product Try-Ons

The concept of “try before you buy” has always been a cornerstone of shopping. But with augmented reality models, it’s now possible to try on products virtually. Here’s why this is a game-changer:

1. Improved Customer Confidence

A customer can see how a pair of sunglasses fits their face before buying.

Homeowners can visualize how a new couch fits into their living room using AR.

This level of engagement builds trust, reducing the chances of returns.

2. Personalization at Its Best

AR models allow brands to offer a tailored shopping experience. With just a smartphone, customers can adjust product sizes, colors, or styles in real time. This level of interactivity makes shopping not only fun but also highly personalized.

3. Increased Sales Conversions

When customers can interact with a product through 3D product visualization, they’re more likely to make a purchase. Studies show that AR experiences increase conversion rates by up to 40%. Why? Because seeing is believing, and AR makes products feel tangible even in a virtual space.

4. Reducing Product Returns

Returns are a costly headache for businesses. Virtual try-ons allow customers to make informed decisions, leading to fewer mismatched expectations. For example, a customer can see how a new pair of shoes looks in their wardrobe before buying, reducing the chances of dissatisfaction.

Industries Transforming with Augmented Reality Models

Augmented reality isn’t limited to just one industry. Here’s how various sectors are leveraging this technology:

1. Fashion and Retail

Virtual try-ons for clothing, shoes, and accessories are transforming online shopping. Major brands now offer AR features that let customers see how outfits fit their body shape or how a new shade of lipstick complements their skin tone.

2. Furniture and Home Décor

Using AR, homeowners can visualize furniture or décor items in their space. Companies like IKEA have embraced 3D product modeling services to create detailed AR catalogs that let users "place" products in their homes.

3. Automotive

Car manufacturers are using AR models to showcase vehicle features. Customers can explore interiors, test colors, and even simulate driving experiences—all through their devices.

4. E-Commerce

E-commerce platforms are integrating AR models to make online shopping more interactive. For instance, customers can use their smartphones to see how a new TV fits on their wall or how a kitchen appliance looks on their countertop.

Why Businesses Should Invest in AR Models

If you’re a business owner, embracing AR models could set you apart from competitors. Here’s why you should consider investing in 3D product modeling services for AR:

Enhanced Customer Experience: Offering AR-powered try-ons makes shopping more enjoyable and interactive.

Competitive Advantage: As AR becomes more mainstream, businesses that adopt it early will stand out.

Scalability: Once created, AR models can be reused across multiple platforms, from apps to social media.

Cost Savings: Although initial development requires an investment, AR can reduce costs associated with product photography, returns, and in-store trials.

How to Get Started with Augmented Reality Models

If you’re ready to embrace AR, here’s how to start:

Partner with a Reliable 3D Modeling Service:Look for companies specializing in 3D product modeling services and AR optimization. They can guide you through the process of creating high-quality models.

Invest in AR Integration:Ensure your website or app supports AR functionality. Many platforms, such as Shopify and ARKit, make integration seamless.

Conclusion

Augmented reality models are more than just a trend—they’re the future of interactive shopping. By combining cutting-edge 3D modeling services with advanced AR technology, businesses can offer customers immersive experiences that were once the stuff of science fiction.Whether you’re in fashion, furniture, or e-commerce, investing in 3D product visualization for AR is no longer optional; it’s essential for staying competitive in today’s market. So, why wait? Dive into the world of AR models and transform how your customers shop!

[solidworks-assignment-help]

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[disease-danger-darkness-silence]

Tldr is that we NEED to get out of the place we're in. It's toxic, both literally (it was built badly and has mold, thankfully not in our room or bathroom but the kitchen is full of the stuff) and figuratively (our roommate doesn't want us there). I've set us a goal to be out by the end of January.

I cannot find a job. I'm applying left and right to all sorts of places. No calls, no emails. It's annoying.

Raven makes 2 grand a month in VA disability. That seems like a lot but it super isn't. Most one bedroom apartments in this area are 1200 a month. I'm working on getting them reassesed, because their knees, back, and neck are getting worse, as is the PTSD (povery does that), but at the moment our best bet is HUD-VASH, a voucher program for housing specifically for veterans.

We're probably going to move to Reno, because the beauty school I want to go to is up there. But we get a higher preference for the voucher if we're homeless. Otherwise the wait could be a year. Which is better than the current non-veteran wait for a housing voucher, but jeez.

So we're getting a storage unit, slimming down on things (a lot of it is clothes we don't fit into anymore, paperwork, and sentimental things that we have multiples of). I'm gonna try and find a friend or two to take the cats for a month or two while we... Be homeless for a month or two. We'll have my camping stuff. Raven gets tons of discounted camping because they're a veteran, and SoCal would allow us to camp near the ocean (which they love for some reason) and see some friends and family of both of ours.

For the record, Raven does not like this plan. I don't blame them. Homelessness, planned or not, is not a fun time. But I'm trying to make it as fun as possible.

So I need to do a lot of work on the car in preparation for this, and I need to pack things, and I need specific camping gear that I don't already have. I'm gonna try and save to get it, but I'm putting together a gift registry for what I'm calling our poor people's midlife crisis.

If you live near Carson or Reno and could take a cat or two (we have three - one bonded pair and one reactive lil bitch that I love) in for just February and March, let me know! We'd provide litter boxes, litter, food, toys, bowls, and treats. In Kono's case, I'd try to claw cap her for you because she's reactive as hell, but once she trusts you she's uber-loving.

I'm also gonna do a little tiny gofundme. I've been given a free makerspace license for solidworks, so I'll be fuckin' around with that and setting up a Patreon and a Ko-Fi store. Up until we move out, I can resin 3D print things for people that I design, or sell the STLs. I'm also super willing to 3D print existing files.

Raven is gonna work on sketching a lil, bc that can 1. Make them money in-person in touristy places, and 2. Make them money online. I had the idea that if you wanted a custom Magic: The Gathering card, or Disney Lorcana, or Pokémon, etc. You could commission us to work together. I also love the Pets As Eldritch Monstrosities concept. Those would also be on the Ko-Fi store.

We're basically trying to raise funds to live on for a lil bit while we're homeless. 2 grand is still not a lot to live on a month when you don't have a home. The bills aren't that much different, and you can't go grocery shopping.

So if you have any tips, any info, any old camping gear that works that you don't want or need, hit me up! Otherwise, stay tuned.

I'm about to start the process of posting about all of the Big Shit that's gonna happen beginning of next year, including a period of.... Recreational? Homelessness? Maybe? Idk.

It's exhausting just thinking about it.

[alfr3design]

😍 it’s a kind of magic! 😎👍 #kingroon #3dprint #design #solidworks #case #markers (en Cordova, Tennessee) https://www.instagram.com/p/ClNerG3tahp/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[practicalsolutions]

I had to be out of work for at least a week before picking up solidworks again. Made so many nondescript metal boxes that it drained the magic out of the program. Had dreams of being trapped in there. Solidworks nightmares of living within the unconstrained sketch geometry. And all it took for that eldritch ick to slough off was a vacation.

[eleanor5283609]

Week 08 – Digital Models

In this week, we learned to use make digital models. This is a completely new software for me. I’ve learned about SolidWorks in T3 2020, so I thought that it might be kind of easy for me to use this one. However, I found they are pretty different when I do the pre-class exercise. SolidWorks is to make a SOLID model but 3ds Max is to make a model that composed of POLYGONs, so that lots of operations are totally different and I need to change my mind and remember that this is a polygon model not a solid model.

In-class Exercise Part 1 (Image 01-08)

In this part, we are aimed to explore various functions in 3ds Max. In addition to some basic operations, the modifier part is my favourite. A cylinder was built at the beginning and then ends up in unique forms through the functions like Squeeze, Stretch, Noise and Melt and so on. Image 01-04 is my tests on these modifiers (My favourite one is the green one, I think it is beautiful.). Image 05-08 is my attempts to use different solidity in Melt. When I tested on this modifier, I found it creative to shape the form into those solidity and they are like in the real world which I think is magical. It’s interesting!

In-class Exercise Part 2 (Image 09-12)

In Part 2, we can try more functions to make a digital model for an object with organic and/or hard-edged elements. These functions include Extrude, Bevel, Swift Loop, NURMS, etc. My impressive one is NURMS. In my perspective, it is a little bit like Chamfers because it can make the edges soft. However, I know that they are totally different, so I need to do more exploration about these two functions. For the Chamfer function, I found that they are in two parts. One is in the Modeling and One is in the Modifiers. To do the button on my remote control, I used the Chamfer in Modifiers. It is convenient to use this Chamfer when you need to make every edge in your object soft, but I found that after converting the object to poly, the Chamfer in Modifiers is invalid. I’m not sure if it is because of some wrong operations, I will explore more about this.

Through these two exercises, I found that the most important thing for me it EXPLORATION for more functions in 3ds Max.

Like the same importance of both hand drawing and digital drawing, there is also the same significance of both model making by hand and digital model making. Digital model making could make more details that are difficult for us to make in a real model. And after rendering on digital models, you could make the objects like in the real world if you have professional skills of rendering. Therefore, we should attach great importance to the digital model making.

Pre-class Video on Razor

With model making, we could test to make different physical sizes, shapes, styles and materials in a design and check whether they are ergonomics enough or not. For example, Andrew mentioned about the materiality. He said that materiality is a way of perceiving value because people will feel very different result from an aluminium handle and a brass handle.

Moreover, I think the ‘high-fidelity’ and ‘low-fidelity’ mean the degree of the precision and the quality of a model. My impressive point from Andrew is that we don’t need to have a linear process from low-fidelity to the high-fidelity, and they can be mixed together because we are checking different aspects and bringing in different elements into the design.

In my opinion, in the design process, thoughts and tests is the most important. The order from low-fidelity to high-fidelity is not that important. We just need to come up with various ideas and make models according to the properties that we want to test.