Usability Evaluation of Surface Modelling Software

Abstract

Surface modelling is a way to create 3D-models on the computer. Today, there are many software’s that offer surface modelling, but they can come at quite different prices and complexity. This thesis will create an understanding of the surface modelling software’s (SMS) on today’s market by looking at the most common ones used and give a detailed analysis of a few selected with an emphasis on usability. The project followed a product development process: identifying a problem, gather solutions then eliminating until a few remained. The project began by creating a requirements list on what the SMS needs. Then a market research was made that gathered the most common SMSs on today’s market in a matrix. This was to give an overview of the market containing basic information such as license cost, usability, support, functionality, compatibility, and system requirements. Then the SMSs were eliminated based on how well they met the requirements which resulted in four SMSs: Fusion 360, Rhinoceros 3D, Alias Surface and Catia V5. These were evaluated by designing a body for a gokart. This allowed for an in-depth evaluation of the usability and the technical specification of the SMSs. The result is presented in two summarizing matrices containing technical specification and usability ratings.