Developments in teaching approaches: "The unexpected benefits of an integrated CAD/CAM based modelmaking strategy"

This paper will examine several unexpected dividends from the implementation of broadly implemented and integrated Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Model Making (CAD/CAMM) model making strategy. It first discusses the expected outcomes of implementing CAMM on a broad basis: high investment cost, high fidelity facsimile models, integration of Virtual and Actual 3D output, improved Health & Safety, higher speed model making output, steep learning curve (staff & students) and high running costs. The second section of the paper discusses the actual results of implementing CAMM as a standard educational tool within the Product Design process (PDP). The third section of the paper reveals some surprising and unexpected windfalls of CAMM implementation and uses case studies to examine the benefits they have brought to education at undergraduate level. In conclusion, the authors discuss what was learned and achieved by the adoption of an entirely new and radically different approach to design education.