Enhancing Industrial Design Education: Virtualized and Augmented Design Iteration

Abstract

The rapid advancement of technology has revolutionized the design landscape, necessitating the integration of cutting-edge tools into Industrial Design education. This thesis explores the incorporation of photogrammetry and virtual reality (VR) into Industrial Design curricula to better prepare students for contemporary design challenges. Several technological advances have been made, allowing for an increased use and reliance on digital tools with industrial and product design education. This must be coupled with understanding analog techniques and the ability to use them in tandem for the best results. Industrial Design: Photogrammetry and Virtual Reality for Design Detailing acts as an update to current curriculum, exploring the use of photogrammetry to scan products and prototypes three-dimensionally. Traditional methods were used to create a number of iterative prototypes, all documented digitally. The final concept work was in a virtual reality space, rendered digitally, and printed in full color for a presentation prototype. These sections are presented as modules within a hybrid course targeted at students in the 2nd or 3rd year of their Industrial and Product Design program. The hybrid nature of this course also offers an opportunity for non-traditional markets or students. This may include industrial design professionals of any level looking to update their skillset and apply new digital tools to their workflow.