What is a model in design terms?

A model in design terms refers to a visual representation of an object or concept, often created at a smaller scale to illustrate its features or functionality. This approach allows designers, engineers, and stakeholders to visualize and interact with the design before it is built at full scale. Models can range from simple sketches or physical prototypes to complex digital representations and can serve various purposes, including testing design concepts, communicating ideas, and facilitating discussions during the design process.

While detailed drawings are important in design, they serve as a technical representation rather than a conceptual model. Software that creates 3D objects is a tool used in the modeling process but does not define what a model is in the broader sense. Lastly, constraints in sketches do play a role in defining relationships between sketch elements but are not representative of a model itself. Understanding the fundamental nature of a model helps clarify its significance in the design process and its role as a crucial communication tool.