Week 02 — Computer Aided Design

This week explored raster, vector, and parametric workflows, with a focus on translating digital design into fabrication-ready outputs.

Overview

Computer-aided design connects visual ideas with fabrication-ready models. This week I explored three different design approaches: raster image editing, vector drawing, and parametric 3D modeling.

Raster design in Photoshop is useful for visual editing and image processing. Vector design in Illustrator uses mathematical paths, which are more suitable for precise 2D fabrication. Parametric modeling in Fusion 360 uses dimensions and constraints to control editable 3D geometry.

The goal was to understand how different digital representations affect later fabrication workflows, file formats, and documentation quality.

Assignment Requirements

The assignment was to model experimental objects using 2D and 3D design tools, compress images and videos, and document the process with design files on the class page.

Tools Used

Key Outputs

2D Design Workflows

The 2D part of this week focused on comparing raster and vector workflows. This helped me understand the difference between pixel-based visual editing and geometry-based fabrication drawing.

Raster Workflow — Photoshop

Photoshop was used to explore raster image editing. Since raster images are made of pixels, they are useful for visual composition but less suitable for precise fabrication geometry.

Resolution Settings (DPI)

Resolution settings in Photoshop
Adjusting resolution settings to understand pixel density and output quality.

Layer Management

Layer management in Photoshop
Organizing multiple layers to keep image editing structured.

Basic Image Adjustments

Levels and contrast adjustment in Photoshop
Adjusting levels and contrast to improve image clarity.

Exporting PNG and JPG

Export settings in Photoshop
Exporting raster images in web-friendly formats for documentation.

This workflow showed that raster images are effective for presentation and documentation, but they do not provide the clean geometric data required for digital fabrication.

Vector Workflow — Illustrator

Illustrator was used to explore vector drawing through paths, shape construction, boolean operations, and outline checking.

Building Base Geometry

Base geometry created using the Ellipse Tool
Constructing base shapes using the Ellipse Tool.

Boolean Operations (Pathfinder)

Pathfinder boolean operations in Illustrator
Using Pathfinder to subtract and combine shapes into compound paths.

Outline Mode Verification

Outline mode check in Illustrator
Checking the vector structure in Outline mode to ensure clean, closed paths.

Final Composition

Final logo composition in Illustrator
Final vector composition prepared for export.

Vector graphics are defined by mathematical paths instead of pixels. This makes them suitable for fabrication processes such as laser cutting, where closed paths and clean geometry are essential.

3D Parametric Modeling

For 3D design, I used Fusion 360 to explore parametric modeling. This workflow is based on sketches, constraints, dimensions, and editable feature history.

Fusion 360 Workflow

I developed a layered radial form by constructing a constrained sketch, generating nested profiles, and extruding selected regions into a 3D structure.

Step 1 — Polygon Construction

Polygon sketch in Fusion 360
Creating an octagon centered at the origin with dimensional control.

Step 2 — Fully Constrained Sketch

Fully constrained sketch in Fusion 360
Applying symmetry, equal constraints, and dimensions to fully constrain the sketch.

Step 3 — Offset Profiles

Offset profiles in Fusion 360
Generating nested profiles using the Offset tool.

Step 4 — Extrusion

Extrusion step in Fusion 360
Extruding selected regions to translate the 2D sketch into a 3D form.

Final Model

Final parametric model in Fusion 360
Final parametric layered star-shaped object.

Final Result — Animation

Rotational preview of the final parametric model.

Parametric modeling is useful for fabrication because dimensions and relationships remain editable. Changing one parameter can update the entire model, which makes this workflow more flexible than static mesh modeling.

Image and Video Compression

To make the webpage faster to load and easier to browse, all media files were compressed before uploading.

Image Compression — Photoshop

The images were compressed in Adobe Photoshop using File → Scripts → Image Processor. This allowed me to batch process multiple images at once.

Screen recording of the image compression workflow in Photoshop using File → Scripts → Image Processor.

This reduced the file size while keeping the images clear enough for process documentation.

Video Compression — Jianying / CapCut

The final animation video was compressed using Jianying / CapCut. I reduced the export settings to make the video suitable for online documentation.

Screen recording of the video compression workflow in Jianying / CapCut, including resolution, frame rate, and bitrate adjustment.

Lowering the resolution, frame rate, and bitrate reduced the final video size and improved webpage loading speed while keeping the animation readable.

Original Design Files

The original source files and exported fabrication files are provided below.

File Formats and Fabrication Logic

Different workflows require different file formats depending on the intended fabrication process.

Choosing the correct file format is part of the design process because fabrication tools depend on specific data structures.

Reflection

This week helped me understand the structural differences between raster, vector, and parametric systems.

The most important takeaway was that fabrication-oriented design is not only about visual appearance. It depends on clean geometry, editable structure, compatible file formats, and optimized documentation.