The ease with which 3D CAD models may be modified and reused are two
key aspects that improve the design-intent variable and that can significantly shorten
the development timelines of a product. A set of rules are gathered from various
authors that take different 3D modelling strategies into account. These rules are then
applied to CAD strategic-knowledge learning methodology and included in 3D CAD
modelling exercises for students following the degree in mechanical engineering at the
University of Burgos (Spain). The experiment was conducted in two groups with a total
of 75 students. The design-intent rules were introduced in the different exercises that
the teacher explained in both the theoretical and the practical classes. In addition, a
summary of the different design rules in each of the practical exercises was explained
in the practical classes in only one of the groups. The experimental results, reported in
this paper, tested the influence of these summaries on overall improvements in 3D
modelling and on the design-intent variable, which is subdivided into four sections:
skeleton, structures, alterations and constraints. The use of the summaries of the design
intent rules led to statistically significant improvements in 3D modelling in the
experimental group, in comparison with the group of students to whom those summaries
were not explained.
