Models will communicate ideas more accurately than even the best drawings. A well-made model will tell people the size and form of the object and show the surface finish, texture and colour. Some models are made to be so accurate that even the weight and balance are right, and the model feels exactly as if it is the finished product. Modeling also allows designers to trial ideas before going to the expense of manufacturing the final product.�
3 of 7
Types of Models
Just as there are different drawings appropriate to each stage in design, there are also different types of model. The four main types of physical model are: the sketch model, the block or static model, the working model, and the prototype.
4 of 7
Sketch Models (Mock-ups)
At an early stage in the design, modeling is a good way of trying out ideas. Sketch models can be used in the same way as design sketches are used to explore design possibilities. These models are sometimes referred to as concept models or mock-ups. They are usually made very quickly out of a material that can be worked easily, such as card, formed polystyrene, or clay.�
By making even a very simple model you can quickly see whether your design looks right. Is it the right size and proportions? What colours look good? These can easily be tried, and changed if necessary, using sketch models.
5 of 7
Block Models
A block model is usually the next stage in modeling. A block is more accurate than a sketch model. It must be exactly the same in outward appearance as the finished product will be. But, as the name suggests, it can be made from a solid block or material with all the internal details missing and with no moving all working parts.
The block model allows people to see all the external details of the design. It should show all the surface details, including any screws and joints, and have the correct texture and colour. It should be as faithful a representation of your design as you can make it.
It is not difficult to build an accurate block model – it just takes time and patience. Because so much time has to be spent in building an accurate block model, it is important to decide on the final design, using drawings and sketch models before you start.
6 of 7
Working Models
Working models need all the surface detail to be accurate in the same way as block models do. In addition, they will have moving or working parts. Depending upon the product to be modeled, a working may need to be hollow, in order to contain batteries or a printed circuit board. It may need to unfold, have a hinged lid, or be taken apart.�
These features will need to be made accurately, but many internal details can be ignored. For example, if you were building a working model of a battery-operated vacuum cleaner, your model would have to represent an injection modeling to house a motor and battery. So it would need enough space inside to hold these working parts. But unless the important features to show were the fixing details of the motor and the battery, then your housing would not need all the moulding lugs and details that would be present on the inside of an injection moulded housing.
7 of 7
Prototypes
Prototypes are a much more complicated type of model. Unlike working models, they are made from the same material as that specified for the finished product. All external and internal detailing are included. They are identical in every way to the finished product except that they are fabricated by hand.
Prototypes are used a lot in industry to prove that the design of a product is right before expensive tools are made to produce it.