Difference between revisions of "Free and open-source computer-aided design/Intro"
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| − | [[Image:Blimp.png|120px|right]] In the near future advanced free and open-source [[computer-aided design]] (CAD) software could be developed that will allow ''anyone'' to easily generate new designs or customise existing ones which are 'open-source' and freely available. This | + | [[Image:Blimp.png|120px|right]] In the near future advanced free and open-source [[computer-aided design]] (CAD) software could be developed that will allow ''anyone'' to easily generate new designs or customise existing ones which are 'open-source' and freely available. This will include a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physics_engine physics engine] and analytical tools which will allowing a significant amount of simulation and testing to be done 'virtually', saving significant amounts of time when it comes to construction. |
The availability of user-friendly [[Free and open-source software|open source]] CAD software will be essential to this field. There is no reason, with careful design, why this software shouldn't be intuitive enough for children to use easily. It could explain mechanical principles along the way if the user wished, and also be a place to store detailed contextual development notes, wiki style, to help others understand the workings and decisions made. | The availability of user-friendly [[Free and open-source software|open source]] CAD software will be essential to this field. There is no reason, with careful design, why this software shouldn't be intuitive enough for children to use easily. It could explain mechanical principles along the way if the user wished, and also be a place to store detailed contextual development notes, wiki style, to help others understand the workings and decisions made. | ||
The virtual nature of the designs mean that far-flung people via the internet can easily work together on the same design, either working individually on various sub-assemblies of the whole or collaborating directly on the same part. The restrictions of having to finding people local to yourself with similar interests and desires becomes much less of an issue. This software framework will be key to unlocking the full potential of [[open collaborative design]]. | The virtual nature of the designs mean that far-flung people via the internet can easily work together on the same design, either working individually on various sub-assemblies of the whole or collaborating directly on the same part. The restrictions of having to finding people local to yourself with similar interests and desires becomes much less of an issue. This software framework will be key to unlocking the full potential of [[open collaborative design]]. | ||
Revision as of 19:03, 10 February 2007
The availability of user-friendly open source CAD software will be essential to this field. There is no reason, with careful design, why this software shouldn't be intuitive enough for children to use easily. It could explain mechanical principles along the way if the user wished, and also be a place to store detailed contextual development notes, wiki style, to help others understand the workings and decisions made.
The virtual nature of the designs mean that far-flung people via the internet can easily work together on the same design, either working individually on various sub-assemblies of the whole or collaborating directly on the same part. The restrictions of having to finding people local to yourself with similar interests and desires becomes much less of an issue. This software framework will be key to unlocking the full potential of open collaborative design.
