3D printing has a way of unlocking anyone’s inner designer in the most thrilling, almost child-like way. Watching your ideas literally build themselves into existence is enough to set your imagination on fire. But if you’re stepping into 3D printing for the first time, it’s worth taking a moment to understand a few design basics … Read more
I recall a time when someone had their design rejected because they failed to provide the necessary calculations to demonstrate that it would work. Their defense was, “My experience tells me this works.” The problem with that statement is that it completely misses the core responsibility of engineers and designers: to support their decisions with … Read more
Designing something that makes a meaningful impact in its field—and stays relevant long after its initial application—is always a challenge. Depending on how fast the industry evolves, some forward-thinking ideas can push things ahead, while others might be phased out shortly after they appear. Predicting what technologies will stand the test of time is difficult, … Read more
The range of drafting software available to designers is vast, with each program offering unique features that make it better suited for certain uses over others. Still, despite the variety, most companies tend to stick with an Autodesk subscription—most commonly, AutoCAD. As a result, many designers have become at least somewhat familiar with AutoCAD—if not … Read more
If you’re aiming to gain practical experience in a design field, few approaches are more effective than tackling a DIY project during your free time. These hands-on experiences immerse you in real-world situations, pushing you to apply design principles and develop problem-solving skills that are directly relevant to professional work. With so many DIY projects … Read more
Trying to come up with novel ideas in a professional setting is like trying to invent a new plotline for The Simpsons—almost everything feels like it’s been done before. You’re competing with a flood of existing thoughts and concepts, and just when you think you’ve struck the perfect balance of originality, usefulness, and practicality, you … Read more
Lacking accessibility is like trying to get into your car, only to find someone has parked so close you can’t open the door. It’s a crucial element that often goes unnoticed—until it’s missing. While all designers should prioritize accessibility, it’s especially important for structural designers, who are typically responsible for ensuring people can reach and … Read more
Depending on who you ask, working with clients can range from a series of essential interactions to get the job done, to something more akin to dealing with someone who has the basic understanding and emotional intelligence of a sugar-fueled toddler. While the worse of the two scenarios is definitely the exception rather than the … Read more
Designing anything takes countless hours of thought, hard work, and refinement to tackle every challenge… but designing something to function in space? That’s a whole other level. The recent engineering challenge of designing a safety system for the moon’s surface has been taken on by thousands of engineers and designers—including myself. Where everyone has spent … Read more
For a designer who regularly uses AutoCAD in their daily tasks, using the software can eventually become second nature—easy to navigate and intuitive. As you grow more familiar with it, you’ll begin to notice both its strengths and its limitations. One area where I found AutoCAD to be limiting is in its ability to create … Read more