virtualization of design and production a thesis - Bilkent University

of potential rejection. Even if the customer demands unpredictable changes on
the features i.e. form, function, cost, regarding the product, the memory of the
computer could make these changes possible well before production.
Customization or even major manipulations performed on the product through
virtual means would not only save time for the firm but also save the estimated
expenses of production. Obviously, qualified employees with adequate expertise
would be favored for this kind of a design technique. Thus, changing the mode of
design and production is capable of changing the social and spatial conditions
within a workshop resulting in an enormous increase in qualified employees
along with a decrease in unqualified blue collars.
Rapid prototyping technology also contributes to the presentation of the products
complementary to rendered images. Especially pieces in small sizes can be
perfectly executed with appropriate material, texture and color. Thus, rapid
prototype presentations vary from rendered representations because they present
a reality with its tangible forms and experienced functions. This technology is
perfectly valid for industrial design products and obviously works better than
simulated computer images. However, there are still limitations in the rapid
prototype lathes since they are not capable of producing bigger size objects yet.
In the case of macro projects like landscape design or architectural design, for
instance, computer renderings and animations are more appropriate tools to make
the presentations.
Considering the effects of computer aided design and manufacture on the process
of product generation, we may suggest that this technology has a direct effect on
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