Proposing Digital Design Methodology for Furniture Products by Integrating Generative Design Approach to Conventional Process

Abstract

Purpose: Considering the growing digital transformations in design field, this research aims to explore the advance language of design - generative design. The study focuses on integration of generative design and parametric modeling techniques with conventional furniture design process to develop a digital design and development methodology for furniture products by doing practical work in Rhino and Grasshopper.

Methodology: For this purpose, a comparative analysis is drawn and three practicals performed in Rhino Grasshopper.

Results: The author learned one of the design tool (Grasshopper) and investigate the possible ways to integrate this digital design process with the conventional process. These examples illustrate the liberty to design and explore any form that is imaginable and offers flexibility in the development process to make multiple design options. This digital way of designing leads to better accuracy, quicker adaptation to the initial concepts, ability to produce new alternatives, ease of revision, quality and realistic results and most importantly ready to manufacture products. This research was carried out, specifically, keeping the industrial environment of Pakistan Furniture Industry in reference.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: This research proposal helped the author to create an awareness at a very initial level in the targeted scope with the hope to encourage authorities to take some serious steps towards the institutionalization of technological advancement in the design education sector. This research not only honed the author’s knowledge in the state of the art but also enabled him to share more advance knowledge about CAD tools with his students. By following and integrating advance design tools to the design process, developments in furniture industry in Pakistan can be made possible in a short time.