00240 - Design and Drafting

Learning outcomes

This module provides students with methodological foundations and technical skills in digital modeling and virtual representation, with a particular focus on products featuring complex surfaces or procedurally generated forms. The course introduces advanced modeling techniques and photorealistic rendering tools to support product design and visual communication. By the end of the course, students will be able to: utilize software tools for modeling both simple and complex surfaces, as well as for generating photorealistic renderings; analyze and apply the capabilities of digital modeling tools in the context of product development and visual documentation; develop and render realistic digital imagery for design communication and presentation.

Course contents

Within the general framework of the Advanced Design 2A C.I. Laboratory, this course aims to enhance students' awareness and proficiency in selecting and using digital tools suitable for product modeling, representation, and communication.

Specifically, the course will address the following areas:

• Introduction to product communication through the creation of static images and/or digital videos

• Introduction to advanced digital rendering techniques and the generation of digital imagery

• Methods and practices for using offline and real-time digital rendering systems

• Introduction to digital video production techniques

• Techniques for editing video sequences, adding audio and textual commentary, creating animation effects, and synchronizing audio and video tracks

Readings/Bibliography

Suggested texts:

• Scateni R., Cignoni P., Montani C., Scopigno R., Fondamenti di grafica tridimensionale interattiva. McGraw-Hill, 2005
• Akenine-Moller T., Haines E., HoffmanN., Real-Time Rendering. A K Peters, 2008
  

Suggested Web resources:

• DaVinci Resolve Formation:
  https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/it/products/davinciresolve/training
• Affinity Formation:
  https://affinity.serif.com/it/learn/
• Blender Formation:
  https://studio.blender.org/training/
  https://www.udemy.com/share/1032gm/

Teaching methods

The course is structured in cycles of frontal theoretical lectures and a series of hands-on exercises and individual lab work, focused on applying the acquired knowledge to predefined themes or objects. The goal of these activities is the development of a digital presentation of a product.

Students will engage in both individual and group activities, divided into three main components:

1. Case Study: Analysis of Industrial Product Communication through Selected Video Ads
   Short exercise (individual work) – Students are required to independently conduct an in-depth analysis of a selected case study related to communication strategies and techniques used in animated videos produced with digital tools.
   This activity aims to develop students' analytical and critical thinking skills concerning the strategies adopted in industrial product communication.
   Each student must prepare, present, and submit a digital report (PPT or PDF format) on the assigned case study.

2. Production and Rendering of Polygonal Digital Models / Video Editing and Post-Production
   Individual lab work – Practical exercises aimed at acquiring knowledge and techniques related to the production of digital rendering images and the editing of digital videos.

3. Production and Editing of a Digital Video
   Extended exercise (group work) – Students, working in teams, are required to autonomously create a video or multimedia product related to the project developed within the Industrial Design 4 course.
   This activity is designed to develop students' communication skills through video or multimedia production, the effective use of digital imagery based on 3D models, and the application of digital video production techniques.
   Each group must produce and submit a digital file (MP4 or equivalent format) showcasing the project developed within the Industrial Design 4 course.

 

Health and Safety Requirement

 Given the nature of the activities and the teaching methods employed, attendance in this course requires prior completion of Modules 1 and 2 of the Safety Training for Study Environments, available in e-learning format:
https://corsi.unibo.it/laurea/DesignProdottoIndustriale/formazione-obbligatoria-su-sicurezza-e-salute

Assessment methods

To be admitted to the final exam, students must submit the following assignments:

• a. A case study analysis (see short individual exercise);

• b. A video or other multimedia product related to the concept developed within the Industrial Design 4 course, which constitutes an integral part of the Laboratory (see extended group exercise).

 

Submission of both assignments is mandatory. Students who fail to submit one or both of the required works (a and b) will not be allowed to take the final exam.

Exam registration must be completed via the Almaesami platform, strictly adhering to the official deadlines.

 

Assessment Criteria
The learning outcomes are assessed exclusively through a final examination, which consists of an in-class presentation and discussion of the two assignments (a and b). Evaluation is based on the student’s ability to clearly communicate and apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the course. A complete lack of required competencies will result in a failing grade.

 

Grading Breakdown

• Depth of analytical and critical insight in assignment 'a', focusing on strategies used in industrial product communication – 20%

• Overall communicative effectiveness of assignment 'b' – 40%

• Technical quality, characteristics, and complexity of rendered images and/or animations used in the video/multimedia product – 20%

• Consistency with the intended target audience and the chosen dissemination context – 20%

 

Grading Scale Guidelines

• Excellent (28–30L): Demonstrates a comprehensive and integrated understanding of the topics, strong critical thinking, confident use of digital production tools, and appropriate, discipline-specific language.

• Good (24–27): Applies methods and technologies correctly, with adequate analytical skills and mostly appropriate terminology.

• Satisfactory (18–23): Shows basic technical competence, limited analytical or critical capacity, and partially inappropriate language.

• Fail (<18): Displays significant gaps in technical skills, poor analytical/critical ability, and the use of inappropriate language.

Teaching tools

Students will have access to course materials, presentations, and handouts via the e-learning platform: https://virtuale.unibo.it .

Teaching activities will take place in the DVMR1 computer lab, located at Via Foscolo 7.

 

Health and Safety Requirement

 Due to the nature of the activities and the teaching methods adopted, all students are required to complete Safety Training Modules 1 and 2 (for study environments) in advance, through the online platform: https://elearning-sicurezza.unibo.it/

Office hours

See the website of Riccardo Foschi