{"id":74778,"date":"2025-01-23T09:53:35","date_gmt":"2025-01-23T17:53:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.autodesk.com\/products\/fusion-360\/blog\/?p=74778"},"modified":"2026-04-06T18:24:02","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T01:24:02","slug":"teaching-generative-design","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.autodesk.com\/products\/fusion-360\/blog\/teaching-generative-design\/","title":{"rendered":"Teaching Design the Generative Way"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There was one topic that dominated conversation at Autodesk University 2024<\/a>\u2014 generative design<\/a>. AI has been an unavoidable topic online and in professional spaces, and how can it not be? Autodesk is enamored with integrating generative design tools into its software. However, generative AI<\/a> isn\u2019t a complete replacement for traditional design methods; it is a powerful tool worth utilizing, as discussed at Autodesk University. Keep reading to see what Peter Simpson and Peter Champneys had to say.<\/p>\n\n\n

Introduction<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

At the heart of London, England, resides London\u2019s Global University (UCL), one of the world\u2019s most prestigious universities. Not only does it boast world-class education and research facilities, but it was also the first English University to open the door to equality in learning. It was among the first to grant degrees to women and minorities. UCL is home to alums of 30 Nobel Laureates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

UCL\u2019s Department of Mechanical Engineering<\/a> was the first to combine theory with practical teaching. This department expanded to include studies such as biomechanics, automation, and future energy. Coursework consists of a broad curriculum with modules covering thermodynamics, fluid and solid mechanics, control, materials, manufacturing<\/a>, and more. Why are we talking about UCL, though? It\u2019s because of their intense focus on design.<\/p>\n\n\n

Design Methodologies<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

What is design? It\u2019s the key to advancement. Design links creativity and innovation. It turns fantastical ideas into practical, attractive propositions for users. There are many different aspects of effective design. Let\u2019s look at engineering design specifically. It is the process of creating functional products, processes, or systems that conform to a Product Design Specification and produces the solution that fulfills this need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UCL sees design as something that can be taught, a process that involves many different skills at varying stages. Pugh (1990) defined these skills and stages in their diagram titled “Total Design Process.” <\/em>The total design approach provides a systematic approach to developing a design that can improve the outcomes in these projects and enhance the learning experience. There must be a wide range of inputs for a design process to produce a valuable outcome. Shown below are different design processes.<\/p>\n\n\n

Linear\/Waterfall Design Process<\/h4>\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n

Agile\/Sprint Design Process<\/h4>\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n

Design Council Double Diamond<\/h4>\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n

Generative Design Technology Overview<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

Next, what is generative design<\/a>? It’s a design approach where software becomes a creative partner in the design process, rather than a passive tool. It can create designs for us. If you’re already an Autodesk Fusion user, you\u2019re probably familiar with how excited we are about integrating generative design into the software for you to maximize creativity. Generative design in Fusion has been developed in two functions: structural components and fluid paths. Structural components resulted in tools such as Design for Manufacturing or Multiple Material Comparison. The fluid path has Pressure Drop or the Optimization of Internal Fluid Volumes.<\/p>\n\n\n

FEA Analysis & Statistic Stress Simulation v. CAD Modeling<\/h3>\n\n\n

It won\u2019t be easy to jump headfirst into generative design without base knowledge. There are two general topics to be aware of: FEA Analysis & Statistic Stress Simulation and CAD Modeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FEA Analysis<\/a> & Static Stress Simulation is understanding the role of load and constraints within a static stress simulation. You must be able to make standard assumptions to simplify the model and loading conditions for more ease of use. And finally, it is essential to understand the role multiple load cases play in defining the different loading conditions of a product over its lifetime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are already this far into the article, you\u2019re likely already familiar with CAD. But just to be sure, we recommend you get familiar with basic CAD modeling functions, such as creating and editing shapes.  More advanced CAD modeling knowledge may be required to play around with generative design outcomes productively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All that being said, generative design is not simply a pure combination of structural simulation and CAD modeling. It has its own terminology and features that you would need to learn. You need to understand:<\/p>\n\n\n\n