Page 8 - First Year Handbook

Fundamental Skills & Rendering Mastering the fundamental sketching and rendering skills

equips you to communicate ideas effectively visually.
These techniques allow you to explore ideas and concepts,
Sketching
bringing them to life and ensuring that every line and shade
contributes to a clearer understanding of the intended
design. This approach is pivotal in transforming abstract
ideas into tangible solutions to problems.

Model-making is a vital skill in design, allowing you to

on process brings your ideas into the physical world and
Model
provides a valuable opportunity for testing functionality
Making transform your ideas into tangible prototypes. This hands-
and user interaction. You can iterate and refine designs by
creating models, ensuring they meet the needs of user.

Familiarity with CAD software (Solidworks) is essential for
modern design practices. SolidWorks empowers you to
create precise, detailed digital models. These platforms
CAD facilitate experimentation and refinement, allowing you to
Software visualise and adjust every aspect of your design accurately
and efficiently before it ever goes into production. Ideas
developed on Solidworks can be 3D Printed, Laser Cut or CNC
fabricated with our workshop facilities.

Understanding the material and manufacturing processes
used in product design is crucial for every designer. By
knowing the properties and applications of commonly used
Material materials, you can make informed decisions that affect your
& Process designs’ functionality, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal.
This knowledge ensures you choose the best Colour, Material,
Finish and Process (CMF+P) for your projects, aligning with
user needs and environmental considerations.

Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop is vital for
designers, offering a suite of tools to craft and refine visual
elements with precision. These programs enable you to
Digital
Skills manipulate images, create vector graphics, and experiment
with layouts, ensuring that every visual detail aligns with your
creative vision. Mastering these tools enhances your ability
to communicate ideas compellingly and professionally.