This FAQ is for DMEM Students - answers may not apply to students in other Departments/Faculties


Questions and Answers Specific to Homeworking are below

General Questions and Answers are here

Questions and Answers specific to working from home are here


Ask a question not in the FAQ

Enter your Search term in the yellow box below

Class Question Answer

Homeworking

I am off campus and do not have access to physical prototyping materials or equipment, what could I do?


FAQ Direct Link

In this case images, pencil sketches, renders, simple homemade (well made) models are the best way forward. Do as much research online as you can, use that research to inform your design/idea/product. Remember that showing why something will not work (at the moment) is just as valid as showing a positive result. Your research will support your project. You may come across something surprising.

Some designs and forms can be made to high standard at home using paper, card, cardboard etc using a craft knife/scalpel and various off the shelf stuff. PVA, all purpose glue (UHU) rules, protractors, masking tape etc….

When folding or creasing card you can use a ball point pen (on the unseen side if possible) to create a crease for bending. Before you fold/assemble/glue your model check if you need to cut any holes or add details beforehand. This may be impossible and messy to do afterwards. Make every cut and crease count. Make sure your blade is sharp. Measure twice, cut once. If you get glue on your hands or fingers wipe it off before handling your model further. There is almost nothing worse than glue where it is not wanted on a model. There is a lot of good stuff (some rubbish) on Youtube demonstrating how to work with card/paper and cardboard. Take a look.

Some good ones are: 30x40 Design Workshop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kfj2-A5rJoQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGRIAIVEMzs – This one in particular is good

Eric Strebel (an Industrial Designer in the US) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6s3lGH4MyI&t=398s – Model making a cube with a notch – good for technique In fact, he’s got content on all sorts: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFzr6ae9Uv-a_tCmHmkw49g

Some good books are:

Jackson, P. (2011). Folding Techniques for Designers-From Sheet to Form. Laurence King Publishing. Jackson, P. (2012). Structural packaging: design your own boxes and 3-D forms. London: Laurence King Publishing. Yoshiharu S.; Takashi K.; Masazo T.; Shinji M. (1991) Models and Prototypes. Books Nippan.

Making models and maquettes by hand and experiencing the design and materials will make you a better more rounded designer. If it goes wrong? Reflect on it and make it again, only better.