Abstract

Computer Aided Design (CAD) systems are inadequate for conceptual design process particularly for sketching. Conventional paper sketching is commonly used for catching the initial inspirational imagination of designers. It is difficult for designers and decision-makers to understand stereoscopic impressions with a two-dimensional (2D) representation. Yet, such designs require a time-consuming process to replicate 2D sketches in computer, in three-dimensional (3D) form using one of the available CAD software. Hence, the demand for a system where the initial design process is performed directly in computer so that the design modifications and the format changes can be done efficiently has been increasing among designers. In this thesis, a free form conceptual design system that allows designers to perform conceptual design directly in computer is introduced. In this method, surfaces of products are created and modified directly and intuitively through control points in 3D space. The artist performs the design process freely and unconstraintly in 3D space by operating his/her hands wearing data gloves. In our system, conceptual design is simply realized in computer.