General Aspects of the Designer’s Work

Abstract

An observer watching a designer at work will note that when starting on a new assignment he first of all makes a close study of the conditions to be fulfilled. He then ponders the problem for some time before preparing one or more simple schematic diagrams. Perhaps he will also take up his slide rule to check quickly some of the figures involved before resuming consideration of the various possible solutions. Not until the unit or machine has taken shape in his mind does he decide to make several different properly-scaled views of it by a process of alternate calculation and drawing. While thus engaged, however, he has still to consider which material is most suitable, which manufacturing method is most economical, and how the method finally chosen will affect the design. These, and many other points besides, must all be taken into account. Enough has already been said to show that designing is for the most part a purely intellectual, and indeed creative, activity which, contrary to the popularly held view, cannot be regarded solely as draughtsmanship.