Conceptual Modelling

What is Conceptual Modelling?

Conceptual modelling is the first step in realizing a design.
Therefore conceptual design affects all of the following stages in the design process.
Decisions made during the conceptual design stage will determine the fundamentals of the design project.

Conceptual models are mostly a way for designers to straighten out their thinking before physically starting to design.
They can allow designers to explore a problem through mind mapping, brainstorming, discussion, conceptual sketching.
By fully understanding of the aspects of a problem, a designer can come to core concepts that need further investigation.
This can distinguish good perspectives from bad ones in an early stage.

Conceptual modelling is about getting your head around all the concepts involved in a design project.
It allows you to frame and start to visualize the problem and (parts of) the solution by thoroughly (re-)assessing all aspects of the design brief.

Different types of modelling can then be used to give shape to the concepts.
This can be done by using graphical, physical and virtual modelling.
The models one produces with these techniques, will be a visual and sometimes tangible translation of a concept, and therefore can also be called concept models, as they show an idea and are not the final product.

A conceptual model originates in the mind and its primary purpose is to outline the principles, processes and basic functions of a design or system.
Conceptual modeling describes a proposed system using models and concepts that define what it should do, how it should behave, and how it should appear.

A conceptual model represents what the user is likely to think, and how the user is likely to respond. It is a high-level description of how a system is organized and operates.
Conceptual modelling is essential for communication, and making the product understandable to users.

A conceptual model includes all the information required to describe a potential design solution that simulates the physicality of the design.
For example, functional features, performance and aesthetics.
To be effective, conceptual models should be as simple as possible, incorporating concepts limited to those required for functionality.

Conceptual modelling is also an iterative process and thus evolves and improves over time.

Modeling is working out ideas or hypotheses by using sketching techniques to draw graphical or virtual models or by manipulating or printing materials to construct physical models.
The chosen technique depends on the models purpose.

Models can be made for all sorts of applications and purposes.
It may be to show a proposed building design in its surroundings, or to show the form of a product for ergonomic considerations, or maybe to model a mechanism before manufacture.
So the purpose determines the chosen modelling approach.
For instance, designers of prestige cars may use a full-size clay model of a car at the final concept stage of the design process because at full-size it gives a more realistic view of the intended design and clay allows the shape to be changed easily, but at a considerable different cost level in terms of time, budget and technology.

Conceptual modelling; A model that exists in the mind used to help us know and understand ideas.
Sketches; Rough drawings of ideas used to convey or refine the idea.
Graphical models; A visualization of an idea, often created on paper or through software, in two or three dimensions.
Physical modelling; The creation of a smaller or larger tangible version of an object that can be physically interacted with. This may also include investigations into part of the design.
Virtual prototyping; Photorealistic CAD-based interactive models that use surface and solid modelling. They can be considered 'digital mock-ups'.