Industrial design: From sketch to concept model

Colin Smith Colin Smith November 29, 2019

2 min read

Saharudin Busri is Head of Industrial Design at MIMOS Berhad in Kuala Lumpur, a company under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Malaysia.  He graduated with his MA in Automotive Design with distinction from Coventry University UK.  He has worked as an automotive designer at Proton Malaysia and has received numerous Red Dot Design Award under concept product categories.  Saharudin uses both Autodesk SketchBook and Alias for digital sketching and surface modeling.

This sewing machine concept was created for a one-day design workshop with university students visiting our studio in Kuala Lumpur.  To make an effective workshop, I wanted to find the most appropriate themes and techniques to clearly demonstrate the design processes, including the early stage of concept sketches right through to 3D modeling.

This sewing machine concept was created for a one-day design workshop with university students visiting our studio in Kuala Lumpur.  To make an effective workshop, I wanted to find the most appropriate themes and techniques to clearly demonstrate the design processes, including the early stage of concept sketches right through to 3D modeling.

“As an Industrial designer, sketching is an invaluable process in product development. I will usually create a quick sketch on paper and then scan it into digital tools like SketchBook for further refinement, coloring & finishing.”

Normally, whenever I am designing something, I will do the research and refer to Pinterest to find good design elements to influence my thought process. Since I am confident with both sketching and 3D modeling, I can usually forecast my final design or rendering beforehand. It really helps to have an overview of the whole concept during the design development process.

As an Industrial designer, sketching is an invaluable process in product development. I will usually create a quick sketch on paper and then scan it into digital tools like SketchBook for further refinement, coloring & finishing. As a teacher, I will usually ask my students to be skilled in traditional sketching before they use digital tools. It’s the best way to develop the fundamentals of rendering techniques and practice strokes needed to establish good base skills.

While creating the sketches, I considered Mercedes character lines and design elements from their exterior bodies. For the detailing and components of the sewing machine, I was inspired by the interiors of their cars. Since automotive design is my specialty, I have no problem with integrating both product and automotive design philosophies.

 

3D surfacing skills are a very important for all Industrial designers, especially in the automotive industry. Designers who don’t have 3D literacy often find it difficult to produce final models that adhere to their original concept sketches. Designers who understand volumes and surfaces can apply this knowledge into their sketches, which helps carry through design intent into 3D actualization, especially when there are complex shapes and sculptural forms.

Unfortunately, most students don’t have exposure to software like Alias and don’t realize it can contribute to amazing outcomes. After completing this workshop, the students were all looking forward to expanding their sketching and modeling skills. Moreover, since I’ve been sharing this story on social media, both local and overseas universities are interested in visiting my studio.

I strive for excellence in everything I do to the fullest, so it is rewarding to share my experiences and passion with the next generation of designers.

Until next time,

Saharudin

Learn more about Saharudin Busi

Facebook: saharudin.busri www.facebook.com/saharudin.busri

Instagram: www.instagram.com/saharudindesign

Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/waksideful

Learn more about MIMOS Berhad at www.mimos.my

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