ALLGLOSSARYTERMS

A model developed to look and feel like the final product

The ability to link graphic screens together in such a way as to simulate motion or a process.

A diagram that shows how components fit together to make a whole. Typically presented in an exploded view

A designer creates part geometry independent of the assembly or any other component. Although there are often some design criteria established before modelling the part, this information is not shared between models. Once all parts are completed, they are brought together for the first time in the assembly.

The use of computers to aid the design process.

A model that exists in the mind used to help us know and understand ideas.

A model that determines the structure of data

Computer simulation of a variety of mechanical and biological aspects of the human body.

The degree to which a prototype is exactly like the final product.

The calculation and simulation of unknown factors in products using CAD systems. For example, simulating the stresses within a welded car part.

A type of drawing technique that has fixed rules, the most widely used being isometric projection and perspective drawing.

A 3D printing technique that places melted layers of material on a bed to build up a 3D model.

A visualization of an idea, often created on paper or through software, in two or three dimensions.

…. is an emerging technology that interfaces the user via the sense of touch.

Prototypes that are equipped with the ability to take measurements to provide accurate quantitative feedback for analysis.

A system that virtually slices a 3D CAD model into thin layers, then cuts out each layer from a roll of material using a laser or plotter cutter. The layers can then be glued in the correct order to create a 3D model.

A scale or full-size representation of a product used to gain feedback from users.

The recording of human and animal movement by any means, for example, by video, magnetic or electro-mechanical devices

Orthographic drawings of the components of an assembly containing details just about that component.

A set of formal drawing techniques that depicts an object as getting smaller and closer together the further away they are. The techniques are one-point perspective, two-point perspective, and three-point perspective.

The creation of a smaller or larger tangible version of an object that can be physically interacted with

Systems of drawings that are accurately drawn, the two main types are isometric projection (formal drawing technique) and orthographic projection (working drawing technique).

A sample or model built to test a concept or process, or to act as an object to be replicated or learned from. Prototypes can be developed at a range of fidelity and for different contexts.

Drawings that are bigger or smaller than the real product, but exactly in proportion with product.

A model that is either a smaller or larger physical copy of an object.

An additive manufacturing technique that uses a laser to fuse small particles of material into a mass that has a desired 3D shape.

Rough drawings of ideas used to convey or refine the idea.

………… are clear representations of the final part. They provide a complete set of data for the product to be realized

A modelling technique that creates 3D models layer-by-layer by hardening molecules of a liquid polymer using a laser beam.

A realistic picture of the final model, offering some machining data. They contain no data about the interior of the part.

…….. design is a product development process obtained through 3D, parametric and associative CAD systems. The main feature of this new method is that the design originates as a concept and gradually evolves into a complete product consisting of components and sub-assemblies.

Photorealistic CAD-based interactive models that use surface and solid modelling. They can be considered 'digital mock-ups'.

The ability to simulate a real situation on the screen and interact with it in a near-natural way.

The ability of a product to be changed in size, commonly used to increase the range of percentiles that a product is appropriate for.

The level of vigilance, readiness or caution of an individual.

The aspect of ergonomics that deals with body measurements, particularly those of size, strength and physical capacity.

The research and analysis of the mechanics of living organisms. For human factors this includes the research and analysis of the mechanics (operation of our muscles, joints, tendons, etc.) of our human body. It also includes Force (impact on user's joints), Repetition, Duration and Posture.

The physical space between two objects.

How mental processes, (memory, reasoning, motor response and perception), affect the interactions between users and other components of a system.

A person's sense of physical or psychological ease.

Human body measurements taken when the subject is in motion related to range and reach of various body movements. E.g. crawling height, overhead reach and the range of upper body movements.

A set of psychological factors that can affect the performance of an individual that come from the environment that the individual is situated.

The application of scientific information concerning the relationship between human beings and the design of products, systems and environments.

A person's sense of physical or psychological tiredness.

Data that includes dynamic data measurements while performing a required task e.g. reaching abilities, manoeuvring and aspects of space and equipment use.

Mistakes made by users, some of which can result in catastrophic consequences for people, property and the environment, as they are considered key contributors to major accidents.

A scientific discipline concerned with understanding how humans interact with elements of a system. It can also be considered the practice of designing products, systems or processes to take account of the interaction between them and their users. It is also known as comfort design, functional design and user-friendly systems.

An automatic system that a person uses to interpret information and react. It is normally comprised of inputs, processes (which can be sensory, central and motor), and outputs.

Data based on numeric scales in which we know the order and the exact difference between the values. Organised into even divisions or intervals, and intervals are of equal size.

Used in the classification or division of objects into discrete groups. Each of which is identified with a name e.g. category of cars, and the scale does not provide any measurement within or between categories.

A statistical data type that exists on an arbitrary numerical scale where the exact numerical value has no significance other than to rank a set of data points. Deals with the order or position of items such as words, letters, symbols or numbers arranged in a hierarchical order. Quantitative assessment cannot be made.

That proportion of a population with a dimension at or less than a given value. For a given demographic (gender, race, age), the 50th is the average.

The way in which something is regarded, understood or interpreted.

Human factor data related to the user's safety, health, comfort and performance.

Data collected by a user for a specific purpose.

Human factor data related to light, smell, sound, taste, temperature and texture.

Typically descriptive data used to find out in depth the way people think or feel - their perception. Useful for research at the individual or small (focus) group level.

Data that can be measured and recorded using numbers. Examples include height, shoe size, and reach.

A selection of sizes a product is made in that caters for the majority of a market.

A system that allows you to compare differences between numbers. For example, use a scale of 1-10 to evaluate user responses.

A range that a person can stretch to touch or grasp an object from a specified position.

Data collected by someone other than the user.

Human body measurements when the subject is still.

Refers to measurements taken while the subject is in a fixed or standard position, e.g. height, arm length.

These can be considered to maximise the performance of a user in a role, and reduce the risk of accidents.

The moisture within timber that is contained in the cells walls.

Manufacturing techniques that add material in order to create it.

Favourable in terms of appearance.

Aspects of a product that relate to taste, texture, smell and appearance.

The stacking of sawn timber in the open or in large sheds, hence there is little control over the drying process.

A mixture that contains at least one metal. This can be a mixture of metals or a mixture of metals and non-metals.

A volume production process where products and components are moved continuously along a conveyor. As the product goes from one work station to another, components are added until the final product is assembled.

A volume production process involving machines controlled by computers

Limited volume production (a set number of items to be produced).

The product ensures the continued health of a biological environment.

A warp along the length of the face of the wood.

Breaks into numerous sharp shards.

Lack of reactivity with other materials.

A material comprised of two or more constituent materials that have different properties.

The ability of a material to withstand being pushed or squashed.

Refers specifically to the computer control of machines for the purpose of manufacturing complex parts in metals and other materials. Machines are controlled by a program commonly called a "G code". Each code is assigned to a particular operation or process. The codes control X, Y, Z movements and feed speeds.

A production method used to manufacture, produce or process materials without interruption.

A small-scale production process centred on manual skills.

The slow, permanent deformation of a solid material under the influence of a mechanical stress.

A material that penetrates the timber fibres protecting the integrity of the wood from attack from borer, wood lice and fungal attack.

A warp across the width of the face of wood, in which the edges are higher or lower than the centre.

The mass per unit volume of a material.

Designing taking account the assembly of the product at various levels, such as component to component, components into sub-assemblies and subassemblies into complete products.

Designing a product so that when it becomes obsolete it can easily and economically be taken apart, the components reused or repaired, and the materials recycled.

Designing specifically for optimum use of existing manufacturing capability.

Designing with the aim of reducing the quantity of material required.

Designing to enable the product to be manufactured using a specific manufacturing process, for example, injection moulding.

When timber is subject to decay and attack by fungus.

The ability of a material to be drawn or extruded into a wire or other extended shape.

The extent to which a material will return to its original shape after being deformed.

Reduces transmission of electric charge.

The measure of a material's ability to conduct electricity. A material with low resistivity will conduct electricity well.

This smart property relates to a fluid that can undergo a dramatic change in its viscosity when exposed to an electric field.

The value at which the moisture content of wood achieves an equilibrium with the environment (which can be affected by humidity and temperature).