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Session 1625

Selecting a Solid Modeling Software for Integration to Engineering Design Teaching: A Proposed Methodology & Its Application Results

Gül E. Okudan

School of Engineering Design and Professional Programs The Pennsylvania State University

Abstract

This study proposes a methodology that would enable design educators and practitioners to optimally select a design software for varying objectives. Specifically, tasks accomplished to propose the methodology include: (1) reviewing past literature on methodologies and criteria used for selecting design software, (2) comparing a number of design software packages based on established criteria, (3) running designed experiments for testing differences among various software, and (4) compiling the experience gained as a generic methodology. The application was completed over two years while a systematic selection process was undertaken at The Pennsylvania State University. This paper documents the entire selection process including the user performance data collected. The set of outcomes of the study is expected to aid companies and design educators in making design software selection decisions.

1. Introduction

One of the necessities for a company to succeed in today’s global competition is its ability to identify customer needs and to quickly create products that meet these needs. This necessity, which involves a set of activities beginning with the recognition of an opportunity and ending in the delivery of a product to the customer, is the rapid product development process. Rapid product development has been especially important since the late 80s. There have been vast improvements in the area, mostly focused on searching ways to shorten the development process duration. Among these, the advancement in design software is very significant, particularly for solid modeling. Accordingly, when preparing engineering students for similar responsibilities, integrating a solid modeling software to design experience is a must.

Integrating a solid modeling software to design teaching, however, is not a trivial task. Associated with the integration, several questions will need to be answered. For example, (1) Does the software have educational materials? (2) Are the educational materials adequate? (3) Is it easy and quick to learn, (4) Can the faculty gain the necessary knowledge and expertise to teach the course in a short time? (5) Does learning the software help students learn another solid

Proceedings of the 2004 American Society for Engineering Education Conference & Exposition 1 Copyright © 2004, American Society for Engineering Education

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Okudan Kremer, G. (2004, June), Selecting A Solid Modeling Software For Integration To Engineering Design Teaching: Methodology & Application Results Paper presented at 2004 Annual Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah. 10.18260/1-2--14074