Abstract
Design education and professional practice often rely on breaking complex challenges into manageable sub-problems—whether through curriculum scaffolding or component-based product development. This paper explores how emerging 3D AI (Three-Dimensional Artificial Intelligence) tools can be applied with this parsing approach to accelerate the development of complex 3D designs. While current 3D AI generators produce relatively simple mesh files, their rapid evolution suggests transformative potential in the near future. We propose a methodological approach that combines AI-generated elements with traditional design processes—a hybrid “divide and reassemble” methodology. Case studies in tableware and decorative arts will demonstrate how designers can generate individual ornamental elements via 3D AI, then import and manipulate these components in CAD software. This process mirrors historical craft approaches while accelerating design iteration and visualization. As we prepare design students for future tool use, this methodology bridges past and future technologies and workflows, enabling problem-solving and concept visualization at unprecedented speeds. Looking forward, 3D AI will evolve from assisting with ideation and component generation to handling increasingly complex assemblies, fundamentally altering design education and practice. Moving towards that future, this paper provides a possible transitional step to integrate and teach with current 3D AI technology.
Presenters
Richard ElaverProfessor of Industrial Design, Applied Design Department, Appalachian State University, North Carolina, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Three-dimensional, Artificial Intelligence, CAD, Product Design, Component-based modeling
