3-D Constraint-based Modeling: Finding Common Themes

The move of constraint-based 3-D modeling into the mainstream of engineering design and manufacturing has been coupled with an increase of publishing activity in 3-D modeling instructional texts. Unfortunately, there is a lack of a clear overarching framework for teachers to understand what are the common themes which tie all of these different modeling tools together. This paper uses Shneiderman’s (1998) Object-Action Interface model, along with the engineering design process, as a framework for understanding software interface elements which are common across four popular 3-D modeling software tools. The goal is to provide an educational framework from which instructional materials can be developed, independent of any one software tool, but which still address the fundamental functionalities of these new, powerful tools.