In 2023, the world is characterized by an immense range of consumer products that help with everyday life. Almost without exception, the global population relies on key pieces of technology that allow work, transport, entertainment, and communication to take place. Millions of workers will use a computer workstation every day before driving home in a car that has been designed to be economical and efficient. In the home, there is a wide range of technological devices that help people to live comfortably and enjoy a diverse number of entertainment options.
It is important to recognize that all these consumer products will have been designed, constructed, and rigorously tested by teams of specialist staff. Today, there is increasing use of bespoke technology solutions to allow an immense range of tech products to be designed and prototypes to be made. In this article, three key pieces of technology that are used in the design of consumer products will be explored.
CAD
CAD stands for computer aided design and is the process where CAD software and computer equipment are used to create a comprehensive design of a product. CAD software is used in a wide range of industries, from aerospace to manufacturing and computer design. Typically, an accurate model of the product and its components is drawn on CAD software. This will illustrate how the product is going to look in its prototype or final form, and it will be constructed on screen to accurate dimensions that will represent the size and scale of the final product. Product designers commonly use CAD software, and it can be used to demonstrate exactly how the final product will look and function. Put simply, using CAD software is a vital stage of the design process for millions of different consumer products.
PCB design software
An immense range of consumer products require sophisticated electronics to function effectively. Smartphones, computers, vacuum cleaners, and a range of home appliances rely on using printed circuit boards that contain minute electrical componentry in their designs. Designing a PCB circuit can be a complex process, and there is a need to be able to accurately map out the components and dimensions of it. Today, many companies use bespoke PCB design software to enable the creation of accurate diagrams and plans for this vital component of the product. Modern PCB design software is highly intuitive and can be used by a range of professionals during the initial stages of the product design process.
3D printers
As a final key example, the use of 3D printers in the design process of modern consumer products is becoming increasingly popular and commonplace. 3D printers work by building layers of material on top of each other so that a full 3D prototype can be created. In the early stages of this technology, only forms of plastics or resins could be used. Today, a range of materials can be used in some 3D printers, including some metals, which has enabled the jewelry industry to create intricate and bespoke designs that can be used for both prototypes and final products. Put simply, the use of 3D printing is now widespread in a diverse range of industries and is often an expected stage in the design process of consumer goods.