Definition of Design Intent 4

[PrintScaffold]

Hello everyone!

Does formal definition of a term 'Design Intent' exist? I'm interested in the version of it that is related to the parametric CAD models. I found it hard to find a strict definition, perhaps because it is considered a universal knowledge.

http://www.cadroad.com

 

[Jboggs]

In my opinion, the only legitimate source for an accurate expression of "design intent" is from the designer himself, in his own words.

 

[JNieman]

That basically is the only definition of the term I've ever heard. The definition of design intent is "Whatever the designer meant when he made it up."

It's just that some software lets you type in formula instead of raw numbers. Formulas are more expressive of a designers intentions. "(dist5-dist10) + 0.005" is more descriptive than "2.995" and might give a clue about why the designer made it the way they did.

It's just a description of an idea. It's not a technical term with a verbose and enlightening definition.

 

[TheTick]

"Design" and "intent" mean the same thing. Just gotta ask yerself: "what am I trying to accomplish here?"

 

[Jboggs]

I am not aware of a "formal" definition of the term. I am curious though, what is the reason for your inquiry? Is it unclear to you? Have you seen it interpreted in different ways? Curious.

 

[Nescius]

From the Solidworks website:

"Design intent is how your model behaves when dimensions are modified.

An example of design intent is how you create and dimension a hole in a block. The hole can be a certain distance from a corner or edge, or it can be in the middle of the face, for example. If the size of the block or the hole changes, the part rebuilds correctly if the design intent has been considered in the definition."

 

[Strong]

Did you Google? parametric CAD models design intent

Walt

 

[drawoh]

Nescius (Mechanical)

"Design intent is how you want your model to behaves when dimensions are modified.

--
JHG

 

[rb1957]

I think most of us have used the phrase "the machine operates in accordance with the original design intent", particularly when responding to customer service.

I think most of us know what is meant ... the machine was designed to perform some operation within some parameters.

As for a definition, I'd look to some contract language that uses the term.

another day in paradise, or is paradise one day closer ?

 

[KENAT]

See, I always went more along the lines of the design intent should follow the functional intent and should then support a robust tolerancing and dimensioning scheme for the real parts etc.

There's lots of fancy stuff that CAD can do to help with the initial design that the trainers from the CAD company will say is capturing design intent etc. but then when you get to the point you need to lock it down for production can come an bite you in the a$$ for future maintenance of the design.

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[rb1957]

have you googled "definition design intent" ?

there were several hits that might be going where you want to ...

another day in paradise, or is paradise one day closer ?

 

[BUGGAR]

Ask a lawyer

 

[PrintScaffold]

Of course, I tried googling Desing Intent Definition. It is how I realised that no formal definintion actually exists. Moreover, I KNOW what is design intent. I merely was interested to find if there is a universal formal definition that I can use rather than explainig it evety time I need it.

http://www.cadroad.com

 

[drawoh]

PrintScaffold,

Think about context. I never heard the term "design intent" before I got trained on 3D[ ]CAD. It makes sense. There are many, many way to parametrically model just about anything. In a design process in which the final part configuration is uncertain, you have to make decisions, and you anticipate changes. For example, in a sheet metal part, I am likely to change the material thickness. Any model that cannot cope with this, is bad. Part of my design intent will be to use the same thickness of the same material on each and every part of the assembly.

--
JHG

 

[MikeHalloran]

I KNOW what is design intent.

That's what all the HR witches say about 'dress casual', while they are writing you up for dressing appropriately for whatever you are trying to do.





Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[rb1957]

"rather than explainig it evety time I need it." ... who doesn't understand the term, so you have to explain it (repeatedly)?

as it happens there are several meanings ... I'd've never considered the 3D drafting meaning, but it's there if it helps !

another day in paradise, or is paradise one day closer ?

 

[JohnRBaker]

Back in the old days, when I was working as a draftsman (pre-CAD), we used to tell the shop to simply "Make it like the Drawing".

John R. Baker, P.E. (ret)
EX-Product 'Evangelist'
Irvine, CA
Siemens PLM:
UG/NX Museum:

The secret of life is not finding someone to live with
It's finding someone you can't live without

 

[capnhook]

Yeah, back in the old days, the engineer would bring down some drawings to the Model Shop...and then a week later you'd see him again, running around, pulling his hair out, asking, "You didn't make it like the DRAWING, did you? Here's some more changes!"

I propose the term "design intent" is what the "chair farters" refer to when they have a completed GOOD part.


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[KENAT]

You mean MIL-TFD-41A John?

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[drawoh]

JohnRBaker,

You mean MIL-TFD-41?

--
JHG