Fall Term

Undergraduate & Graduate Levels

4.500/4.512

Introduction to Design Computing

Prof. Larry Sass

Lecture: Mon 9:30 – 11:00 AM (4-159)

Lab: Wed 7:00-8:30 PM(W31-301)

Lab Thu 9:30-11:00 AM(W31-301)

(2-2-8) Credits

Introduction

Product designers, engineers and architects use 3D modeling programs to model, render andfabricate ideas and products. A growing trend is 3D printing of geometric models by expert designers and novicesalike to build ordinary items such as jewelry, toys and replacement parts (Making). Unfortunately forthose new to modeling many questions arise when considering which modeling method works best for a given modeling task. Today there areleast four ways to generate geometric models from a wide array of commercial CAD programs. To add to the confusion there are many questions related to best modeling practices for each type of output, trending software systems and emerging techniques related to plugins.

In response to these and many other questions this courseteaches the fundamentals of geometric modeling for a variety of output methods and devices.Each weekwe explore a specificmodeling method geared towards design output. We will cover the fundamentals in the first four weeks to build skills. Next we focus on design processing and a specific product. Students are required to complete museum quality modelsthat will be evaluated by experts at various times throughout the term.

Learning Objectives

Grades are based on mastery of the following:

  • Three principle methods of geometric modeling (Surface, Solid &Mesh)
  • Rendering techniques (Images)
  • Prototyping (Objects)
  • Modeling in detail

Grading

  • Mastery of design and computing skills
  • Quality of geometric modeling and digital output
  • Response to questions related to process
  • Time to complete assignments & attendance

Attendance

  • We meet 27 times within the semester
  • More than 3 absences can lead to a failing grade, this includes lab times

Assignments

  • Final grading is an average of the 4 Small Projects and Exercises
  • Paper submissions only (no emailing) through Stellar Courseware
  • Late Assignment – Minus 10pts one week, Minus 20 pts second week
  • I do not accept assignments that are more than three weeks late

Course Fee

  • All students will be charged $35 after the third week in the term

Class Format

The class meets twice a week and attendance is required for a passing grade. Students are expected to work with their own laptop in class. Lectures and labs happen together without distinction.

Schedule

Date / Lecture (Monday) / Design Topic / Lab(Wed or Thur) / Exercise & Projects (Due Mondays)
1 / Sept 11 / Intro Computing
Design / Lettering / Pt, Lines, Planes / Letter Design
2 / Sept 18 / 2D Drawing / Package Design / Surface Modeling / Box Design
3 / Sept 25 / Rule Based / Toy Design / Solid Modeling I / Font Design
4 / Oct 2 / 3D Modeling / Product Design / Solid Modeling II / Final Fabrication (10%)
5 / Oct 11 (Lecture Online) / No Lecture / No Lecture / Mesh Surf I / Design
6 / Oct 16 / Prototyping / Product Design / Mesh Surf II / Forming
7 / Oct 23 / Generative Modeling / Fashion Design / Mesh Solid I / Framing & Structure
8 / Oct 30 / Materialization / House Design / Mesh Solid II / Final Fabrication (10%)
9 / Nov 5 / Visualization / Furniture Design / Day
Lighting / Seating
10 / Nov 13 / Design in a Space / Interior Design / Artificial Lighting / Surfacing
11 / Nov 20 / Designing a Form / Architectural Design / Texture Mapping / Forming
12 / Nov 27 / Final Rendering / Urban Design / Hyper Realistic Imaging / Final Rendering (10%)
13 / Dec 4 / Branding / Book Design / WordPress
Behance / Portfolio (10%)
14 / Dec 11 / Presentation / Open