The Right Design Process: Why CAD Shortcuts Matter for Your Workspace
There is a misconception about CAD and design where some will quickly fire up their 3D modelling software of choice when given a project. This has been a major grievance of mine when working in a team and having to resolve issues later down the line that could have been avoided if team members realized CAD, just like everything else, is just a tool. A tool that allows us to develop complex machines but just like any other bit of equipment things can go wrong. I always compare CAD to the engineering equivalent of a spade to gardening. Sure you could just dive in and start shoveling head first to landscape your garden but without proper planning ahead you just end up with a sad mess.
Here is a short summary of how you should tackle a design problem and when you should start using CAD during the design process.
The Proper Design Process
Step 1: Gather Requirements
At the beginning of a project you should gather your customer's (external and internal) requirements as this will give you the goals you need to achieve.
Step 2: Brainstorm/Research
Come up with ideas with colleagues and sketch out ideas on what the sub-systems of your satellite should be. Include members of your team who aren't involved with your system as both of your work can have an impact on each other. You may only be doing the mechanisms for a solar array but that could have an impact on the centre of gravity or interfere with a radio, ADCS or electronics board. Plus having an outsider asking the "obvious" questions will help provide concepts.
During this step you can research components in the market to see if you can just purchase something than make a custom. Sometimes it is cheaper and easier to implement a space qualified component than something bespoke.
Step 3: Sketch Ideas
We are at step 3 and not even started doing CAD. You should sketch out ideas on a sheet of paper or whiteboard and just brain dump your ideas. As you are sketching think of the things you will need to calculate, how you are going to manufacture these parts. Manufacturing is something that can be missed out - the last thing you want to do is spend 100 hours modelling a component or subassembly and realize you want to make them as a sheet metal part.
Always consider how your part will be getting made or how your satellite will be getting assembled to avoid costly and time consuming rework.
Step 4: Bring Out the Calculator (or Excel)
You finally got some ideas you want to develop into a functional design, it's time to get calculating. Before you can design your ADCS system you will need to define how big your magnetorquers and reaction wheels need to be to orientate your satellite. Carrying out some initial calculations will help you in your design as you can define the dimensions of your parts without the guesswork.
Step 5: CAD
Now it's time to fire up your CAD software of choice and start your initial designs, such as initial concepts, volume claims of each subsystem, subassemblies of your satellite etc.
Step 6: Refine Your Design
As the project and design progresses you will acquire more information, knowledge and experience problems which will require you to make adjustments and refine your design. You might need to review or make more calculations which will feed into your design.
Maximizing CAD Efficiency Through Shortcuts
Once you do get to Step 5 - actually using CAD - efficiency becomes crucial. Over the years, I've created custom shortcuts for different CAD software to boost productivity. These shortcuts help you work faster and more efficiently, which means more time for the important design thinking and less time clicking through menus.
Why CAD Shortcuts Matter
When you're spending hours in CAD software designing complex assemblies, every second saved adds up. Custom shortcuts allow you to:
- Focus on design decisions rather than software navigation
- Maintain your design flow without interruption
- Complete iterations faster, allowing more design exploration
- Reduce repetitive strain from excessive mouse clicking
The Workspace Setup Connection
This focus on efficiency extends beyond just software shortcuts - your entire workspace setup affects productivity. After spending countless hours in CAD programs, I realized that even small improvements to your physical workspace can have a big impact on your daily work experience.
That's one of the reasons I created our space-themed gaming mouse pads. While they feature cosmic dragon designs that reflect my personal interests, they also serve a practical purpose for anyone who spends long hours doing precise mouse work - whether that's CAD modeling, gaming, or any other detailed computer work.
Gear That Supports Your Workflow
Mouse Pads for CAD Work and Gaming
Our gaming mouse pads aren't just about aesthetics (though the space dragon designs are pretty cool). They're sized and designed to support the kind of precise mouse movements you need for both professional CAD work and gaming:
Practical Benefits:
- Large surface area for both detailed CAD work and gaming
- Smooth surface for consistent mouse tracking
- Non-slip base that stays put during intensive work sessions
- Size that accommodates both precision work and broad mouse movements
Design Philosophy: The space and dragon themes reflect the creative side of engineering - the part that imagines possibilities before calculating realities. Having workspace accessories that inspire you can make those long CAD sessions more enjoyable.
Available Designs
Space Dragon Gaming Mouse Pads:
- Mouse Pad with Autodesk Inventor Keyboard Shortcuts- From €25.00
- Mouse Pad - Siemens NX Keyboard Shortcuts- From €25.00
- Mouse Pad - Solidworks Keyboard Shortcut - From €25.00
The Bigger Picture: Tools That Work
CAD is Just One Tool
Just as CAD software is a tool that requires proper planning and process, your workspace accessories should support your actual work rather than just looking good. Whether you're sketching initial concepts, calculating loads, or spending hours in CAD software, having tools and accessories that work properly helps you focus on the important stuff.
Summary
CAD is nothing but a tool and you should drive the software and not be driven by it. CAD is like every other computer software where garbage in will result in garbage out. You need to understand the limitations of your CAD software as each vendor has its own quirks that will require you to find workarounds.
It's very easy to make a design that looks good on the computer screen but will completely fail in the physical world. By jumping straight into CAD you could end up making costly mistakes further down in your design process. Spending more time understanding the customer requirements, problems and possible solutions before jumping to CAD can save you time and money in the long run.
The same principle applies to your workspace setup - thoughtful choices about your tools and environment, even down to your mouse pad, can support better work and reduce unnecessary friction in your daily routine.
Whether you're designing satellites or setting up your workspace, the right tools and process make all the difference. Browse our space-themed accessories designed by someone who understands the importance of both good engineering process and efficient workspace setup.