VISUALISATION IN ENGINEERING DESIGN

Graphic and visuo-spatial abilities make a very significant contribution to the development of visualisation skills . This ability is vital in any field of engineering activity including designing and manufacturing. In analysing the impact of Computer Aided Design and Graphics software it was found that many engineers are now trained with little or no reference to manual drawing skills and spatial/graphical reasoning. The survey showed that the skill most appreciated by engineers in using graphics software was that of visulisation. Research shows that young engineers with a developed sense of grahicacy perform with greater efficiency and confidence. With reference to these findings, a preliminary course module and self-paced computer based visualisation tutorials has been designed to prepare engineering students to use CAD software more effectively and creatively. The principal elements of the graphics course provide the learners with the basics of the 'graphics code' and its associated standards. The interactive computer package is aimed at specifically developing and testing visualisation skills. Strategies include exercises and tests in spatial reasoning, graphic ideation and cognitive modelling. The results show improved efficiency in mastering complex and advanced CAD functions.