ProductDesign-PrattInstitute.docVIP

Pratt Center for Continuing and Professional Studies Product Design Joel Wennerstrom, Instructor Email: jwenner@ WEB: /~jwenner/ METHODS OF WORK: MODELS AND MATERIALS In order to convey your ideas to others, you must develop skills in visual communication. Drawing is used to quickly get ideas on paper so that you can visualize them more clearly and allow you to further expand on them. But soon after that, a three dimensional model is needed to verify your ideas and to explore form and ergonomic concerns. Designers use many types of models and materials to verify their ideas, and there are two main categories of models: Working models are used to test mechanical or electronic features where function is more important than form. They can be made out of any materials needed to prove the concept- toothpicks, hot glue, cardboard, plastic, duct tape, wire, circuit boards, etc. Form study models are used primarily to explore shape and comfort, and even manufacturing concerns such as moldability. It is common for designers to do a working model to prove a concept is mechanically sound, and then do a series of non-working form study models to explore form variations of the concept. Materials for form study models include wood, plaster, clay, paper and plastic, but the material most commonly used is foam because it is lightweight, easy to carve, sand, shape, drill, finish and paint. Designers use three basic kinds of foam: urethane foam, phenolic resin foam (Balsa Foam) and styrene foam. From the instructor’s point of view, there is little difference between urethane foam and Balsa Foam, so I’ll discuss those at the same time: URETHANE FOAM AND BALSA FOAM: There are many kinds of urethane and phenolic foam. They vary in density, color, texture, cell structure and price, though all of them are expensive. Advantages: Easy to carve, sand, cut and saw with hand tools. Can be sanded in any direction; has no grain. Can be put in oven at low temperat