You Write the Book
Let’s say for example that someone you know was thinking of writing a new … thing. Something with some text, images, live 3D models, videos, all mixed up in the same… thing. Website, book, document, tutorial, training, class, demo, whatever it is or turns out to be.
I’m thinking about something that shows a demo, but also teaches you how to do stuff at the same time. Not a book, a different format. More than just a video. Somewhat interactive. Maybe some live questions or tests that you have to get right in order to proceed. It would be like watching over the shoulder of someone as they model some difficult stuff, and being able to talk to them as it happens.
My question for you would be, what kind of models would you like to see someone model live? Maybe there are some special techniques that you’d like to see, or some special kind of shapes. Automotive (of course), consumer products, industrial, aero/hydro … (you fill in the blanks – you can post images with your comments).
Or even beyond modeling, what kind of issues do you think need to be addressed in a session like this? Just getting started? Evaluation? Troubleshooting? Decision making? Thought process?
As a Professor at Palomar College, teaching Intro/Advanced SOLIDWORKS for 6 years, I spend a lot of time showing how to correct and repair Errors and Warnings in SW. I.E. I intentionally Over Define a Sketch or Mate, then demonstrate how to correct the errors. You don’t see that type of teaching very often. IMO
Yeah, I like to demo diagnostic tools and techniques.
1. I want to see how an expert goes about modeling a fairly large assembly…we always see videos or read articles on best practices in assembly or mating, but they are usually about one particular technique…I think seeing how a power user models/designs a complicated assembly from scratch can be very helpful!
2. Decision making process when modeling using surfaces.
1. Surfacing. I’m a sheet metal/weldment/extrude n cut guy that tries to make contoured seat cushions look realistic (unable to post image?)
2. Design process, R&D. Things like file management, taking parts and assemblies through many design stages and having it still ‘work’, charting a course without knowing the end.
1. Teach them to use relations instead of dimensions whenever possible so future edits won’t get unintended results. An example would be putting a hole in the middle of a 4″ x 4″ plate. Use relations to drive the hole location instead of measuring 2″ from each edge so the hole will stay in the center of the plate size changes.
…so the hole will stay in the center of the plate if the size changes. (See my earlier reply. I hate typos.)
1. Surfacing
2. File Management
Thanks for bringing up this question. I think there can be many areas as everyone has very general perception that 3d modeling is kid’s play. I would go for the below list :
1) Instead of just surfacing commands, how design is incorporated with modeling and mainly bringing up “what went wrong”. For example, for NPD different organization follow different approaches. Create hand sketch, convert to temporary model, confirm with client, prototype and then detailing. When people make project based training, they often avoid “what went wrong” and serve the perfect output.
2) Large assembly modeling which includes top down approach, their drawing handling and again “what can go wrong” things.
I will definitely post new ideas as they go across.
Yeah, I like to talk about what went wrong. I think there is more to learn from how to handle problems than a perfect workflow, because I’ve never done a perfect project.