This article will discuss leveraging organic shapes, and utilizing them in the CAD world. So why is it important to have that ability? In design, there are many situations that arise that may require the utilization of organic or freeform shapes. One example of this is the optional bust cap design on the MDCI perfume bottles. After carefully hand-crafting these, this complex shape needs to be inserted into the final cap design, producing some gorgeous results. To have to model those shapes in CAD would be a bear! Another example of when organic shapes might be required is when you are creating an ergonomic design. Whether you are following the shape of your lower back, your legs, or your hands, that freeform shape needs to be created, then included in the final mechanical design. This was the case of Joe Olson, who in less than a year, created the ErgoJoystick, to replace the typical knobs that cause fatigue due to the fact that they are designed for an upright position. Again, complex shapes, leveraged into CAD. The question is, how do you take complex organic freeform shapes, and bring them into the CAD world where you can complete the design [...]
