Drawing Compared with Model Making as a Design Technique: A research report that suggests that wider use should be made of model making as a design technique

Abstract

Of all techniques to express and communicate ideas drawing would seem to be most extensively used. Its advantages are at once apparent and quickly stated. It is cheap, a simple pencil being the only essential tool required, a sheet of paper the only material. Even the most complex work can be carried out with modest equipment. Through the use of line and tone in a sketch a designer can quickly represent any object that exists or that he wishes to bring into existence. Extremely large and elaborate objects can be represented within a small area, and yet the true size can be read by means of dimensions and scales. The results are permanent, easy to duplicate and require no special maintenance.

But these evident advantages recommend themselves most strongly to those who are skilled in the language of drawing. When pupils, inexperienced in the language and unskilled in its execution, are asked to interpret their ideas, to visualize them and communicate them, by means of drawing the disadvantages often appear formidable.Firstly, the visualization and construction of realistic sketches, relying on accurate relationships between parts and overall proportions

, is no easy task and requires a good deal of practice.

Secondly, the appearance of a three dimensional object when represented on paper is different from its true form. If a visually realistic and readily understandable picture is to be given then true shapes as seen from different directions have to be turned into apparent shapes. But if a designer wishes to accurately convey information about shape and size he must draw several views showing the true shapes.