Haptic Modelling – An Alternative Industrial Design Methodology

Physical models continue to form an essential outcome from industrial design practice. Whist the professional may be removed from the “hands-on” model build by employing the services of a model-maker, many designers consider such physical interaction as an important part of their idea development process. Visual and tactile feedback from model generation is considered by many as an essential part of the experience of physical interaction with form and material. However, the advent of remote model building technologies via rapid prototyping and computer controlled machining, has given professionals an alternative method of working which offers other advantages to the design process. This has meant that the designer is increasingly removed from such physical interaction with the model. The emergence of three dimensional digital modelling via haptic feedback devices may offer a route whereby professional designers can gain the benefits of a digital process yet continue to be involved with tactile design modelling. Acknowledging the need to utilise digital design techniques, this paper investigates the capabilities of haptic modelling for use within industrial design practice. The research is based on an industrial design case study for a communication device that was undertaken by the authors. The paper discusses the attempts made to emulate workshop-based modelling activities with Sensable Technologies Phantom haptic feedback device using Freeform software. Whilst the initial response to the system was not entirely satisfactory, the research identified the potential to use the haptic feedback device to produce forms that would be virtually impossible to specify using traditional digital techniques. Having gained some experience in the capabilities of the hardware and software, creative opportunities emerged that were a direct result of the application of this technology.