Design Glossary Hub
Discover key terms in CAD, architecture, interior design, and product design— all in one place to boost your knowledge
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CAD
CAD in Circular Econ
CAD in Circular Econ
CAD transforms design in the circular economy by enabling durable, recyclable products, optimizing resources, and fostering collaboration for sustainability and innovation.
Architecture and Interior Design
Sustainable Urbanism
Sustainable Urbanism
Sustainable urbanism focuses on creating equitable, livable, and eco-friendly cities by integrating sustainability into urban planning, enhancing community well-being and resilience.
Product Design
Emotional Design
Emotional Design
Emotional design focuses on evoking specific emotions through products and experiences, enhancing user engagement, satisfaction, and brand loyalty while balancing functionality.
CAD
CAD in Sustain Design
CAD in Sustain Design
CAD integration in sustainable design enhances efficiency, energy analysis, and material selection, fostering eco-friendly architecture and urban planning while facing challenges.
Architecture and Interior Design
Baubiologie
Baubiologie
Baubiologie, or Building Biology, studies the holistic relationship between humans and their environment, promoting health through natural materials and sustainable design.
Product Design
User Interface Design
User Interface Design
UI design focuses on creating user-friendly interfaces for software and devices, emphasizing visual appeal, layout, interactivity, consistency, and accessibility.
CAD
CAD in Digital Twin Tech
CAD in Digital Twin Tech
The integration of CAD and Digital Twin technology enhances design, management, and optimization of systems through real-time data, simulations, and collaboration.
Architecture and Interior Design
Regenerative Architctre
Regenerative Architctre
Regenerative architecture aims to restore and revitalize ecosystems through sustainable design, focusing on holistic approaches, renewable materials, and community well-being.
Product Design
Usability Testing
Usability Testing
Usability testing evaluates products by observing real users, identifying issues, providing objective data, and enhancing user satisfaction while saving time and costs.
CAD
CAD in Augmented Reality
CAD in Augmented Reality
The integration of CAD and AR transforms design, allowing real-world visualization, interaction, and collaboration. It enhances understanding, speeds decisions, and reduces errors.
CAD
Design Computation
Design Computation
Design computation revolutionizes design by merging math and creativity, transforming computers into active problem solvers, enabling innovative, efficient solutions.
CAD
Algorithmic Design
Algorithmic Design
Algorithmic design merges creativity and computation, enhancing design processes. It allows designers to set parameters while algorithms explore innovative solutions, bridging art and science.
Architecture and Interior Design
Cradle to Cradle Design
Cradle to Cradle Design
Cradle-to-Cradle (C2C) design mimics nature, promoting waste-free systems, renewable energy use, and material cycling for sustainability and innovation.
Product Design
Rapid Prototyping
Rapid Prototyping
Rapid prototyping uses CAD data to quickly create physical models via 3D printing, enabling fast iterations, complex designs, and cost-effective product development.
CAD
CAD in Virtual Reality
CAD in Virtual Reality
The integration of CAD and VR revolutionizes design by enabling immersive visualization, natural interaction, real-time collaboration, and improved design validation across industries.
Architecture and Interior Design
Biomimicry Architecture
Biomimicry Architecture
Biomimicry in architecture uses nature's models to solve human problems, promoting sustainability, efficiency, and resilience through innovative design inspired by biological systems.
Product Design
Design Thinking
Design Thinking
Design thinking is a non-linear, iterative process for solving complex problems through empathy, ideation, prototyping, and testing, fostering innovation and collaboration.
CAD
GANs in CAD
GANs in CAD
Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) enhance CAD by automating design tasks, exploring new concepts, optimizing designs, and enabling customization, while facing challenges like training instability.
Architecture and Interior Design
Adaptive Reuse
Adaptive Reuse
Adaptive reuse repurposes old buildings for new functions, preserving history and promoting sustainability while facing challenges like zoning and structural limitations.
Product Design
Design for Additive Mfg
Design for Additive Mfg
Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) optimizes products for 3D printing, enabling complex, lightweight, and customized designs while reducing costs and waste.
CAD
4D BIM Modeling
4D BIM Modeling
4D BIM integrates time with 3D models, enhancing construction planning, visualization, and collaboration. It improves efficiency, safety, and communication in projects.
Architecture and Interior Design
Vernacular Architecture
Vernacular Architecture
Vernacular architecture reflects local traditions, using available materials and responding to climate. It preserves culture, supports sustainability, and faces modern challenges.
Product Design
Modular Design
Modular Design
Modular design uses reusable components to create flexible systems. It enhances customization, reduces costs, and simplifies maintenance, despite some complexity challenges.
CAD
Digital Twin
Digital Twin
A digital twin is a real-time virtual model of a physical entity, enabling improved decision-making through data analysis, simulations, and continuous updates across industries.
Architecture and Interior Design
Vertical Transportation
Vertical Transportation
Vertical transport systems in tall buildings enhance movement and user experience. They require strategic planning, integration, efficiency, and safety for optimal function.
Architecture and Interior Design
Struct_Integration
Struct_Integration
Structural integration blends engineering and architecture, enhancing aesthetic expression while ensuring stability. It shapes space, light, and adaptability in buildings.
Architecture and Interior Design
Acoustic Design
Acoustic Design
Acoustic design enhances spaces by managing sound for communication and comfort. It involves understanding sound behavior, material selection, and integration with architecture.
Architecture and Interior Design
Building Envelope
Building Envelope
Building envelopes are vital for controlling heat, air, and moisture, ensuring durability and efficiency. They integrate various systems, materials, and technologies for optimal performance.
CAD
Wayfinding Design
Wayfinding Design
Wayfinding design aids navigation in complex environments using architectural cues, visual landmarks, and information systems. It considers human behavior, cultural diversity, and digital integration for effective, adaptable navigation.
Architecture and Interior Design
Parametric Architech
Parametric Architech
Parametric architecture merges math with design, allowing flexible, efficient structures that adapt to environments, enhancing sustainability and creativity in building design.
Architecture and Interior Design
Site Analysis
Site Analysis
Site analysis is crucial in architecture, informing design by considering environmental, topographical, cultural, regulatory, and sensory factors for effective, contextual solutions.
Architecture and Interior Design
Circulation Design
Circulation Design
Circulation design shapes how we navigate spaces, enhancing experiences through clear pathways, natural light, and social interaction, while adapting to future needs and technology.
Architecture and Interior Design
Facade Design
Facade Design
Facade design bridges a building's internal functions and external expression, responding to context, climate, and sustainability while balancing aesthetics and performance.
Architecture and Interior Design
Regenerative Design
Regenerative Design
Regenerative design creates systems that restore ecosystems, emphasizing sustainability, systems thinking, biomimicry, and community engagement for ecological and social benefits.
Product Design
Lean Product Dev
Lean Product Dev
Lean product development maximizes value and minimizes waste in product creation. Key aspects include customer focus, concurrent engineering, and iterative processes, fostering innovation and efficiency.
CAD
Gen Design
Gen Design
Generative design uses algorithms to explore design solutions based on defined parameters, enhancing creativity and optimizing performance through human-AI collaboration.
Architecture and Interior Design
Green Building
Green Building
Green building focuses on eco-friendly, resource-efficient construction, enhancing energy efficiency, water conservation, and indoor quality, while promoting sustainability and health.
Product Design
DFMA Design Manufacturing
DFMA Design Manufacturing
Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) simplifies product design for easier manufacturing, reducing costs, improving quality, and speeding up market delivery.
Product Design
Topology Optimizatn
Topology Optimizatn
Topology optimization is a CAD method that optimizes material distribution in designs to enhance performance while minimizing material use, applicable across various industries.
Product Design
Universal Design Concept
Universal Design Concept
Universal Design creates accessible environments for all, focusing on equity, flexibility, simplicity, and usability, enhancing social inclusion and sustainability.
Product Design
Design for Sustainabilty
Design for Sustainabilty
Design for Sustainability (DfS) focuses on minimizing environmental and social impacts throughout a product's lifecycle, promoting durability, energy efficiency, and responsible materials.
Product Design
Biophilic Design
Biophilic Design
Biophilic design connects people with nature in architecture, enhancing well-being and productivity through natural elements, organic forms, and sensory experiences.
Product Design
Human-Centered Design
Human-Centered Design
Human-Centered Design (HCD) focuses on user needs in creating products and services. It involves empathy, iteration, collaboration, and a holistic approach for effective solutions.
Architecture and Interior Design
Spatial Composition
Spatial Composition
Spatial composition merges art and science in architecture, creating functional, harmonious spaces that evoke emotions and guide human experience through scale, light, and materials.
Architecture and Interior Design
Interior Lighting Design
Interior Lighting Design
Interior lighting design shapes our experience of spaces, influencing emotions and well-being. It balances natural and artificial light to create atmosphere and functionality.
Architecture and Interior Design
BIM
BIM
Building Information Modeling (BIM) revolutionizes architecture by integrating detailed data into a single model, enhancing collaboration, efficiency, and lifecycle management.
Architecture and Interior Design
Space Planning
Space Planning
Space planning organizes physical spaces for functionality and aesthetics, focusing on user needs, technical requirements, and adaptability to enhance well-being and productivity.
CAD
Cloud-Based CAD
Cloud-Based CAD
Cloud-based CAD revolutionizes design by enabling access via web browsers, enhancing collaboration, and offering powerful computing for efficient, real-time teamwork.
CAD
Direct Modeling
Direct Modeling
Direct modeling allows intuitive, immediate geometry manipulation without feature history, enhancing design flexibility and exploration, especially with legacy data.
CAD
Feature Based Modeling
Feature Based Modeling
Feature-based modeling creates digital designs through intelligent operations, enabling easy modifications and robust models that align with manufacturing processes.
CAD
GeoConstraints
GeoConstraints
Geometric constraints in CAD ensure design intent is maintained during modifications, enabling dynamic models and efficient updates while managing complexity.
CAD
Version Control System
Version Control System
Version control in digital design manages changes, tracks history, and supports collaboration, ensuring data integrity and project continuity throughout development.
CAD
DesignPatterns
DesignPatterns
Design patterns offer proven, reusable solutions for design challenges, enhancing efficiency and consistency in CAD. They embody deep engineering knowledge, saving time and improving quality.
CAD
Draw Annotations
Draw Annotations
Drawing annotations bridge digital models and manufacturing, conveying vital specs like dimensions and tolerances while ensuring clear, standardized communication.
CAD
Sketching in CAD
Sketching in CAD
CAD sketching blends artistic freedom and precision, enabling designers to create complex models with geometric constraints, enhancing both creativity and technical accuracy.
CAD
Assembly Modeling
Assembly Modeling
Assembly modeling in CAD streamlines product design by managing component relationships, validating designs, and enhancing collaboration, crucial for complex product development.
CAD
Solid Modeling
Solid Modeling
Solid modeling is essential in CAD, offering precise 3D representations of objects, enabling accurate design, analysis, and seamless integration with manufacturing processes.
CAD
Wireframe Modeling
Wireframe Modeling
Wireframe modeling is a key CAD technique, visualizing 3D objects as edges and vertices, aiding design efficiency, communication, and analysis across disciplines.
CAD
Boolean Operations
Boolean Operations
Boolean operations are key in CAD, enabling the combination and manipulation of 3D shapes. They allow designers to create complex geometries efficiently and accurately.
CAD
Design History Tree
Design History Tree
The Design History Tree is essential in CAD, documenting design evolution and facilitating modifications, ensuring efficient workflows and collaboration.
CAD
Assembly Mating
Assembly Mating
Assembly mating in CAD defines precise relationships between components, enabling coherent 3D assemblies that mirror real-world interactions for effective design and manufacturing.
CAD
Parametric Constraints
Parametric Constraints
Parametric constraints revolutionize CAD by creating intelligent, adaptable models. They maintain design intent, ensuring consistency through mathematical relationships in engineering.
CAD
Surface Modeling
Surface Modeling
Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) enhances engineering design through simulation and analysis, reducing costs, improving quality, and accelerating development.
Product Design
Product Ecosystem
Product Ecosystem
A product ecosystem is an interconnected network of products and services that enhances user experience, emphasizing interdependence, platforms, and co-creation.
Product Design
Sustainable Design
Sustainable Design
Sustainable design minimizes environmental impact and promotes social responsibility, focusing on lifecycle effects, material choice, energy efficiency, and durability.
Product Design
Product Lifecycle Mgmt
Product Lifecycle Mgmt
Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) manages a product's entire lifecycle, enhancing collaboration, quality, and compliance while integrating data and processes for efficiency.
Product Design
Design for Assembly
Design for Assembly
Design for Assembly (DFA) simplifies product assembly to reduce time, costs, and errors. It focuses on minimizing parts, standardizing processes, and optimizing handling.
Product Design
Design for Manufacturing
Design for Manufacturing
Design for Manufacturing (DFM) optimizes product design for cost-effective manufacturing, focusing on material selection, process optimization, tolerances, and assembly ease.
Product Design
Protoyping
Protoyping
Prototyping involves creating models to test and refine product designs, gathering user feedback, and identifying issues early, enhancing usability and innovation.
Product Design
Aesthetics
Aesthetics
Aesthetics in product design involves form, color, texture, proportion, and style, impacting user perception and emotional connection, crucial for product success.
Product Design
Ergonomics
Ergonomics
Ergonomics optimizes product design for human well-being and performance, focusing on comfort, safety, and usability by considering body size, strength, and cognition.
Product Design
User-Centered Design
User-Centered Design
User-Centered Design (UCD) prioritizes end-user needs in product design, focusing on user research, iterative processes, and collaboration to enhance user experience.
Product Design
Industrial Design
Industrial Design
Industrial design blends art, business, and engineering to create user-centered, ergonomic, and sustainable products. Designers enhance functionality and aesthetics for daily use.
Architecture and Interior Design
Sustainability
Sustainability
Ergonomics in architecture focuses on designing spaces and products for comfort, health, and efficiency, considering human anatomy and diverse user needs for improved well-being.
Architecture and Interior Design
Sustainable design in architecture minimizes environmental impact, conserves resources, and enhances occupant well-being through energy efficiency, water conservation, and smart material choices.
Architecture and Interior Design
Parti
Parti
In architecture, a parti is a simple diagram capturing the core design concept and organization of a space, guiding the design process with clarity and meaning.
Architecture and Interior Design
Wayfinding
Wayfinding
Wayfinding in architecture enhances navigation through visual cues and signage. Key principles include clarity, consistency, visibility, accessibility, and flexibility for user-friendly spaces.
Architecture and Interior Design
Circulation
Circulation
Circulation in architecture involves designing pathways for movement within a space, impacting usability and experience. Key factors include hierarchy, efficiency, wayfinding, accessibility, and experience.
Architecture and Interior Design
Facade
Facade
Facades are crucial in architecture, defining a building's aesthetic, regulating environment, providing structural support, and shaping urban interactions. They blend art and function.
Architecture and Interior Design
Section
Section
In architecture, sections are 2D drawings revealing a building's internal view, showcasing spatial relationships, structure, and systems for construction clarity.
Architecture and Interior Design
Floor Plan
Floor Plan
A floor plan is a 2D layout of a building, detailing spatial arrangement, compliance, and functionality. It aids in design, construction, and communication.
Architecture and Interior Design
Elevation
Elevation
Elevations are 2D architectural drawings showing a building's vertical view, detailing exteriors and interiors. They aid design evaluation and construction documentation.
CAD
STL Standard Tessellation
STL Standard Tessellation
STL is a simple file format for 3D models, using triangulated surfaces for CAD and 3D printing. While widely used, it lacks design intent, color, and can result in large files.
CAD
NURBS BSplines
NURBS BSplines
NURBS is a versatile CAD model for complex curves and surfaces, offering precision, smoothness, editability, and interoperability for diverse design industries.
CAD
Sketch
Sketch
In CAD, sketches are 2D profiles that form the foundation for 3D models. They define shapes and geometry, using dimensions and constraints for precision.
CAD
Revolve Design
Revolve Design
In CAD, a revolve creates 3D shapes by rotating a 2D profile around an axis, useful for cylindrical, tapered, or hollow designs, enhancing modeling efficiency.
CAD
Extrude
Extrude
In CAD, extrusion creates 3D shapes by extending 2D profiles along a path, enabling quick model creation and modification for various geometric features.
CAD
Feature
Feature
In CAD, features are geometric shapes like extrusions, revolves, and fillets that build models. They enable parametric design and easy modifications for complex shapes.
CAD
Constraint
Constraint
In CAD, constraints control a model's geometry, ensuring desired shape and behavior. Types include dimensional, geometric, assembly, and motion constraints for flexible designs.
CAD
Assembly
Assembly
In CAD, an assembly is a complete product made of parts. Assembly modeling visualizes interactions, checks fit, and includes features like BOM, subassemblies, and motion studies.
CAD
CAD in PLM
CAD in PLM
CAD is essential in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), streamlining design, collaboration, and data management, enhancing product quality, and reducing time and costs.
CAD
CAD in Manufacturing
CAD in Manufacturing
CAD and CAM enhance manufacturing by creating detailed models and toolpaths, improving efficiency and quality, while PDM and CAQ ensure data integrity and quality control.
CAD
CAD in Eng Analysis & Sim
CAD in Eng Analysis & Sim
Modern CAD integrates engineering analysis and simulation tools like FEA and CFD, enabling product optimization, reducing prototyping, and enhancing quality.
CAD
CAD in Arch&Construction
CAD in Arch&Construction
CAD has transformed architecture and construction by enabling precise design, 3D modeling, BIM integration, and enhanced collaboration, improving project efficiency and outcomes.
CAD
CAD in Product Design
CAD in Product Design
CAD enhances product design and development, streamlining workflows from concept to manufacturing, enabling rapid prototyping, precise modeling, and effective collaboration.
CAD
3D Printing
3D Printing
3D printing revolutionizes product design and manufacturing by combining with CAD for rapid prototyping, customization, and efficient workflows, enabling innovative applications.
CAD
CAD File Formats
CAD File Formats
CAD file formats are essential for sharing design data. Native formats preserve full design intent, while neutral formats enhance compatibility across systems.
CAD
Parametric Design
Parametric Design
Parametric modeling in CAD allows designers to create adaptable models using parameters and constraints, enhancing flexibility, reusability, and automation in design.
CAD
CAD
CAD
CAD revolutionizes design and engineering, evolving from basic drafting to advanced modeling, simulation, and collaboration tools, enhancing precision and sustainability across industries.
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CAD
Algorithmic Design
Algorithmic Design
Algorithmic design merges creativity and computation, enhancing design processes. It allows designers to set parameters while algorithms explore innovative solutions, bridging art and science.
Architecture and Interior Design
Adaptive Reuse
Adaptive Reuse
Adaptive reuse repurposes old buildings for new functions, preserving history and promoting sustainability while facing challenges like zoning and structural limitations.
Architecture and Interior Design
Acoustic Design
Acoustic Design
Acoustic design enhances spaces by managing sound for communication and comfort. It involves understanding sound behavior, material selection, and integration with architecture.
CAD
Assembly Modeling
Assembly Modeling
Assembly modeling in CAD streamlines product design by managing component relationships, validating designs, and enhancing collaboration, crucial for complex product development.
CAD
Assembly Mating
Assembly Mating
Assembly mating in CAD defines precise relationships between components, enabling coherent 3D assemblies that mirror real-world interactions for effective design and manufacturing.
Product Design
Aesthetics
Aesthetics
Aesthetics in product design involves form, color, texture, proportion, and style, impacting user perception and emotional connection, crucial for product success.
CAD
Assembly
Assembly
In CAD, an assembly is a complete product made of parts. Assembly modeling visualizes interactions, checks fit, and includes features like BOM, subassemblies, and motion studies.
FAQ
FAQ
FAQ
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Is there a refund policy?
We're a business or studio. Can you offer a discount for volume purchases?
I’m a student or a teacher. Is there a discount?
Can I use uMake for free?
Why should I subscribe?
How do I cancel my subscription?
Is there a refund policy?
We're a business or studio. Can you offer a discount for volume purchases?
I’m a student or a teacher. Is there a discount?
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Start Creating with uMake Today
Get uMake on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac and start creating in 3D
Start Creating with uMake Today
Get uMake on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac and start creating in 3D