Article published in January 2007 on the Novedge blog.
When switching from 2D to 3D, we still need good designers, but we also need them to understand the complex art of creating and managing parametric feature-based 3D CAD models.
Franco Folini
I was pleasantly surprised to see so many readers going through my recent post about the slow transition from 2D to 3D. Several readers left thoughtful comments explaining why they still use 2D technologies and tools. I really appreciate their feedback. I also found Alex Neihaus comments on his blog interesting. Alex has a point: 3D technology is not as easy as it should be. I don’t like to admit it, but it’s true. The slow 2D-to-3D transition proves it. If using 3D technology gave companies an immediate competitive advantage, companies would jump in, forcing all their CAD employees to adopt it. Industry sectors, where the benefits are real, are already using 3D. The transition is obviously not happening on a full scale, so there must be a problem somewhere. I have at least two suggestions:
3D Requires More Skilled Operators than 2D
Higher professional skills mean higher costs for companies. We work in an economic system based on over-optimized processes, where most employees can be easily and quickly replaced. Companies prefer to invest in processes over people: processes will stay; people can go. This approach doesn’t really support the demand for higher professional skills generated by the 3D technologies. In an extreme synthesis, we can say that 2D tools are more Taylorist than 3D tools.
3D is Not Truly WYSIWYG
The popular acronym WYSIWYG (What You See is What You Get) applies to many software applications, but not to 3D parametric feature-based CAD software such as SolidWorks, Solid Edge, Pro/Engineer, CATIA V5, Alibre, etc. Even with a great rendering, the 3D shapes you see on your computer screen are just the top of a huge iceberg (the 3D parametric model). What you see is the 3D geometry. You can’t visually observe the complex network of relations and constraints that constitute the hidden portion of the iceberg, the large parametric CAD model. While you have to be an expert to understand and explore that part, you can experience its effects at any moment by modifying some critical dimensional parameter. The hidden part of the iceberg will control how well and how much the 3D model will change. You can choose not to use the flexibility provided by the parametric engine running under the hood of your CAD system, but doing so means renouncing most of the advantages of 3D technology. On the other hand, fully embracing the parametric approach means committing to investing more time and larger resources for a better return, sometimes in the future.
When you look at a 3D CAD model on your screen, all you can see is the 3D geometry. You can’t visually observe and explore the complex network of relations and constraints that constitute the hidden portion of the iceberg, the large parametric CAD model.
Franco Folini
Frederick W. Taylor
The two problems are related. A 3D system is more complex because it is not WYSIWYG and therefore requires more skill to operate properly and effectively. When switching from 2D to 3D, we still need good designers, but they also need to know the complex art of creating and managing parametric feature-based 3D CAD models. Frederick W. Taylor wouldn’t be happy about that.
