Design automation is the use of software tools and technologies to automate and streamline design processes in fields such as graphic design, engineering, architecture, and manufacturing.
With design automation, companies can lower errors, boost productivity, and eventually stay competitive in the quick-paced market of today. With quicker turnaround times and more affordable solutions, this cutting-edge technology is changing the way designs are developed and put into practice.
Continue reading to find out more about design automation and how it can improve the construction process.
Design automation is the use of software tools and algorithms to automate various design processes.
This includes creating detailed floor plans, 3D building models, and other architectural elements based on specific input parameters. Design automation can optimize design decisions for factors such as space utilisation, material selection, and building code compliance, significantly streamlining the design process.
In the context of Computer-Aided Design (CAD), design automation is a step forward that bridges the gap between traditional methods and the future of design. It improves the design process across industries by speeding up workflows, reducing repetitive tasks, and giving designers more time for research and development.
Automotive, aerospace, and electronics are three sectors where design automation is especially helpful because it reduces errors, speeds up product development cycles, and streamlines design workflows.
Before we go deeper into design automation, you might want to explore another aspect of a construction project. One example is spatial coordination, which allows you to improve the efficiency and quality of a construction project. Find out more in our article, “Spatial Coordination in Construction Projects: What It Is and How It Works“.
Types of Design Automation
There are 3 types of design automation: generative design, algorithmic design, and parametric design. These tools allow designers to quickly iterate on designs, explore multiple options, and optimize for specific parameters without having to manually make every adjustment. Here are the explanations for each type.
The three types of design automation are:
- Generative Design: This type of design automation uses AI and algorithms to generate designs based on user inputs and constraints. It enables designers to innovate and iterate at high speeds by creating accurate, viable designs with text prompt inputs at scale.
- Algorithmic Design: Algorithmic design involves using algorithms to create designs based on specific rules or parameters. This approach can be used to optimise designs for various factors, such as space utilisation, materials, and compliance with building codes.
- Parametric design: is a technique in which engineers and designers use algorithms to create complex, customised products or structures. This process allows designers to input a set of parameters, or variables, that the algorithm then uses to generate a unique solution.
These types of design automation are used to speed up the design process, reduce repetitive tasks, and give designers more time for research and development. They are especially useful in industries like automotive, aerospace, and electronics, where design workflows must be efficient and precise.
Design automation software (Image by BIM SCALER)
Benefits of Design Automation
Design automation provides numerous benefits. According to the Autodesk website, some of the benefits of design automation include the ability to design more efficiently, quickly configure products to specification, and accelerate the handoff to manufacturing.
Here is an explanation of each benefit:
- Design Efficiently: Standard building features include sheet metal components and welded frames. However, designing that component can be time-consuming. To reduce busywork, automate the creation of common product features.
- Quick Configuring Products to Specification: It can be time-consuming for engineers to manually alter models to satisfy client specifications. Create your 3D model by defining parameters, and quickly establish the rules that operate a personalised product configurator.
- Accelerate Handoff to Manufacturing: Simple-to-code tools allow you to extend automation beyond engineering. Easily capture and execute standard processes for creating drawings, toolpaths, and other documentation.
Automate repetitive processes in the product development process to increase efficiency. Engineers can focus on more difficult and creative design problems by optimising workflows.
What are Automated Design Tools?
Automated design tools are software applications that use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to automate and streamline the design process. In the context of CAD software, automated design tools can generate designs based on user input and parameters, reducing the time and effort required for manual design tasks. These tools can also help improve design consistency and accuracy by eliminating human error in the process.
Here are some examples of automated design tools for CAD:
- Autodesk Inventor: Autodesk Inventor is a professional-grade tool for product development and manufacturing planning. It includes iLogic technology, which enables engineers to easily utilise rule-based design without complex coding.
- SolidWorks: SolidWorks is a CAD software that allows for automation in design. It can help complete work faster and more efficiently.
- AutoCAD: AutoCAD is CAD software developed by Autodesk that allows for automation in the design process. It can be used to create 2D and 3D designs.
- Autodesk Fusion: Autodesk Fusion is a cloud-based 3D CAD, CAM, and CAE tool for product development that combines industrial and mechanical design.
That’s all you have to know about automated design tools. BIM coordination is also an important aspect of the construction project. This allows you to easily detect clashes and, as a result, save money on your entire construction project. More information can be found in the article “BIM Coordination: What It Is and How It Works“.
Conclusion
Design automation offers an innovative model of efficiency, accuracy, and innovation, and it has the potential to transform the current design industry.
Design professionals can use design automation to drive productivity that has never been seen before, reduce errors, and lead the industry into a new era of creativity and advancement. The future of design across a variety of industries will surely be greatly influenced by the incorporation of design automation as technology develops.
Are you ready to implement BIM into your construction project?
BIMscaler’s consulting and management services will provide you with end-to-end BIM usage for your project, starting with BIM/model management, content management, project start-up, project meetings, and end-user support, including as-built documentation creation.
As a leading Australian provider of BIM services, BIM Scaler assures you of a professional and effective BIM implementation for your building project.
