A laboratory for the study of graphical man-machine communication

Engineering has evolved rapidly during the last fifteen years as analysis techniques geared to the computational power of a slide rule and desk calculator have been replaced by techniques which make extensive use of computers. During these years, however, graphical techniques for conversion of design ideas to final products have not changed significantly, nor has the role of drawings in engineering design changed. The drawing plays a vital role in each phase of the evolution of a product. The original design proposals, the engineering analysis, the design compromises, and the prototype product fabrication all depend on graphical communication among engineers and designers. Whether the product is to be machined, assembled, stamped, wired, welded or hand modeled, a drawing is made so that a two-dimensional representation of the product may be reviewed by the engineers concerned with the product. Prior to the final product drawing, many ideas are exchanged by the use of sketches, drawings, plots, and engineering reports.