Visual Prototype
Before starting on a materials project (physical project such as Woodworking, Metal workings, Stained Glass, etc.),
you need a design! Unless you are starting with an existing design, you will need to provide a visual prototype (design visualization - sketch - plan...) before proceeding.
Generally, you will be able to do your design either using a CAD Program or on paper.
Eitherway, you will be creating a Visual Prototype of your design with the following requirements:
| Requirement | Description | Using Paper | Using CAD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Descriptive Title | Your design must include a descriptive title. What are you planning on creating? | ||
| Dimensions | Your design must include dimensions (size WITH units). You need to ensure you have ENOUGH dimensions to communicate your design - but not too many dimensions to complicate the design. | If you are using Sketchup you can use the dimensions tool and the label tool. | |
| Joinery | Your design must clearly show the different pieces of wood and how they are joining. | ||
| Materials | Your design must indicate what materials are used. If using wood, then 'Wood' is NOT sufficient. You must indicate the Types of Wood to be used. | If you are using Sketchup you can use the label tool. | |
| 3D Aspect | You can show the 3D aspect of your design EITHER by providing multiple 2D views from different sides (orthographic drawings) and/or a 3D perspective view (isometric). | A huge benefit of using a CAD program like Sketchup is you get nice 3D visualization of your proposed design. It can be tough to communicate this aspect of a design on paper unless you are good at drafting/drawing! |
Design (Visual Prototype) Example for a Bookend
The following are example designs for a Maple Leaf Bookend. One is on paper and the other using the CAD program Sketchup
Side View (Paper or Drawing Program, Orthographic Drawing)
End View (Paper or Drawing Program, Orthographic Drawing)
3D View on Sketchup (isometric)
NOTE: Can you spot the difference in joinery on the actual bookend vs the designs?
