Using 3-D models to train engineering designers

Abstract

During a preliminary investigation of the learning capabilities of injection machine operators, it was found that many possessed limited spatial skills. Previous studies with naive engineering designers had found that those with low visual skills had difficulties in reading and manipulating data from engineering drawings, and since the advanced training material for machine operators principally comprised technical cross sections, some learning difficulties were anticipated. Some success was gained by using a 3-D wooden model in the operators' training, so the approach was adapted to train engineering designers for the work reported in this paper. The spatial skill of forty-two trainee desig..