Computer-aided design (CAD) has changed considerably since its inception about 60 years ago. What once required large drafting tables, precision tools, and years of skill can now be accomplished digitally in a shorter amount of time with less bulky hardware.
Early CAD systems that ran on UNIX systems provided better speed and precision to blueprinting, but were costly and required a significant amount of technical knowledge. The 1990s became a major turning point when CAD software became widely accessible on Windows personal computers. This shift made CAD more affordable and easier to learn, reducing cost per seat and eliminating the need for expensive, specialized hardware. Continued advancements have made CAD software even more accessible to other people besides engineers and designers, such as academics and children.
Today, CAD can be used to create an abundance of technological applications, from heavy-duty industrial machines to consumer products such as dumbbells and doorbell cameras. Beyond the technology itself, CAD has evolved into a vibrant global community of students, entrepreneurs, designers, and executives as well who are passionate about all aspects of product design and development.
Looking ahead, CAD has an exciting future ahead with the integration of AI and machine learning to create virtual design assistants that have the potential to make design even more accessible, efficient, and collaborative than it is now.
Source: SolidWorks
