Quick and rough 2D and 3D sketches
with written notes
Used during idea
generation stage
Generally communicating with
other designers
Pictorial Drawings
Better quality and more
detailed 3D drawings and
sketches used to explore form
and proportion
Used during the early
development stage
Communicating with other designers
and members of the design team to
discuss changes to designs and to
evaluate aesthetics.
Working Drawings **
Accurate scale drawings
with dimensions and
hidden detail to show
sizes
Used later in the development
stage to figure out detailed sizes
and make sure parts will fit
together. Required for accurate
manufacture of the product parts.
Communicating with the
engineers and manufacturers
Illustration Presentation
Graphics **
High quality rendered 3D
images of a product or
proposed product which give
a realistic view of how a
product will look.
Used during the development
stage to communicate proposed
ideas to people with no
technical knowledge.
Used to help clients who would find it
hard to read a more technical drawing
appraise and evaluate design proposals.
Used by marketing team to promote or
advertise a product to potential clients or
consumer groups.
Computer Models **
Accurate 3D models created on
computer programmes to fine
tune the sizes and shapes of
components so that they will
assemble. Can also be used to
create rapid prototype models.
Used at the development stage to
ensure that components of a
product will fit together during
assembly. Can be used as a
Presentation Visual for clients as
it is easy to understand.
Communicating with
Manufacturers, other designers,
marketing team, engineers, clients
and the general public/consumers.