How do you document and communicate automotive design?

1 Sketches and Drawings

Sketches and drawings are the most basic and intuitive way of documenting and communicating automotive design. They allow engineers to quickly capture and convey their ideas, concepts, and solutions, as well as to receive feedback and suggestions from others. Sketches and drawings can be done by hand or using software, such as CAD (computer-aided design) or CAE (computer-aided engineering). They can include various levels of detail, such as dimensions, annotations, symbols, colors, and textures.

2 Models and Prototypes

Models and prototypes are physical or digital representations of the automotive design that can be tested, evaluated, and refined. They help engineers to verify and validate their design assumptions, performance, and functionality, as well as to demonstrate and communicate their design features and benefits to the stakeholders. Models and prototypes can range from simple mock-ups to full-scale replicas, and can be made using various materials and techniques, such as 3D printing, CNC (computer numerical control) machining, or clay sculpting.

3 Specifications and Standards

Specifications and standards are documents that define and regulate the automotive design requirements, criteria, and guidelines. They help engineers to ensure that their design meets the expectations and needs of the stakeholders, as well as to comply with the relevant laws, regulations, and norms. Specifications and standards can cover various aspects of the automotive design, such as performance, safety, quality, reliability, durability, emissions, noise, vibration, and aesthetics.

4 Reports and Presentations

Reports and presentations are documents that summarize and communicate the automotive design process, results, and recommendations. They help engineers to document and justify their design choices, methods, and outcomes, as well as to persuade and influence the stakeholders to accept and support their design solutions. Reports and presentations can include various types of information, such as objectives, background, analysis, data, findings, conclusions, and suggestions. They can also use various formats and media, such as text, tables, charts, graphs, images, videos, or animations.

5 Collaboration and Feedback

Collaboration and feedback are essential for documenting and communicating automotive design effectively. They help engineers to share and exchange their design knowledge, ideas, and opinions with other engineers, experts, and stakeholders, as well as to learn from their insights, experiences, and perspectives. Collaboration and feedback can be done through various channels and platforms, such as meetings, workshops, reviews, surveys, forums, or online tools.

6 Documentation and Communication Tools

Documentation and communication tools are software or hardware that enable and facilitate the documentation and communication of automotive design. They help engineers to create, store, manage, access, edit, share, and distribute their design documents and information. They also help engineers to collaborate and communicate with other engineers, experts, and stakeholders remotely or in real-time. Some examples of documentation and communication tools are CAD, CAE, CAM (computer-aided manufacturing), PLM (product lifecycle management), PDM (product data management), ERP (enterprise resource planning), or CRM (customer relationship management).

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?