Drafting and 3D Spatial Thinking for Young Engineers

Learning to draw in 3D is an important skill for budding young designers, engineers and architects. Sure, we can teach CAD and rendering on a computer, but learning to draft by hand helps kids better understand complex 3D spatial concepts and appreciate how images in 2D on paper or a computer screen relate to the 3 dimensional world around us.

The 3DuxDesign team partnered with engineer, Holly Martin to create a fun and engaging design activity that helps kids gain the increasingly lost skill of drafting by hand.

Starting with graph paper, and a simple cube constructed as a model, young designers learn how to create a 3D image on a 2D medium using the isometric paper provided. Kids as young as 8 can use the easy to follow step-by step instructions and video tutorials. Advanced students learn about light and shading and their visual effect on a drawing. You can find the printable lesson along with tutorials posted on our website.

If you have students, try it out and let us know what you think.