Computer-aided design, better known as CAD, is a platform that was developed to allow professionals, specifically engineers, architects and designers to bring their ideas to life on a digital interface. This software allows designers to ideate and mock-up in a cost effective way before manufacturing a physical product or prototype. CAD has evolved tremendously in the past 50 years, stemming from the early days of blueprinting. In the 70s, designers had to rely on physical drafting tables, pens, rulers, templates and hours of time to create a single concept. These methods were tedious, prone to user error and inefficient. Especially since the turn of the millennia, CAD has grown exponentially and become a staple in many modern industries. 

The Rise of CAD

The 80s were considered the dawn of digitized design, as this era brought the earliest iterations of today’s CAD designs. Through a large monitor, a keyboard and a stylus, designers were able to draw their concepts on a touch pad, which would then project the idea digitally on a screen. While this was a significant upgrade from physical drafting, seats in these CAD labs were expensive and inaccessible. Both price and location limitations stopped many professionals from using these advanced systems, pushing early adopters to continue to improve the product. The 90s saw the integration of Windows processing systems with CAD, which greatly decreased the price of the system and made use more widespread. However, the real evolution came once CAD was able to escape the stationary monitor.

Today, CAD is not only available on portable devices like laptops or tablets, but it can also be accessed by a wide array of users. Not only professionals, but also creatives, students and even children can ideate using CAD. This is largely due to the user-friendly interface that CAD now provides, making it easy for people of all skill levels and intents to use to its full potential. Additionally, CAD can be used to make nearly anything from the largest industrial equipment to the smallest household items such as dumbbells or doorbell cameras. The accuracy and speed at which CAD is able to aid in the production of a to-scale mockup is unmatched on any other software currently available. Additionally, its massive user base has helped to spread and boost its already omnipresence in today’s society.

CAD is not just a software, it’s a community. Millions of enthusiasts from around the world have created niche interest groups, often spearheading conferences and speaking engagements to share the latest and greatest ideas in the CAD world. Passionate groups of designers have long gathered to learn, network and celebrate the advancements in the design world, further fueling the evolution of CAD moving forward. 

Conclusion

Despite years of evolution in the space, the new age of CAD software is just beginning. Experts are working on integrating AI with CAD, using it to create a virtual design assistant. This next era of CAD evolution will continue to make the platform even more efficient, streamlined and user friendly for designers and creatives everywhere.