Use of Cloud-Based Computer Aided Design Software in Design Education

摘要

Besides of conventional CAD systems, new, cloudbased CAD systems have also been available for some years. These CAD systems designed according to the principle of software as a service (SaaS) differ in some important features from the conventional CAD systems. Thus, these CAD systems are operated via a browser and it is not necessary to install the software on a computer. The CAD-data is stored in the cloud and not on a local computer or central server. This new approach should also facilitate the sharing and management of data. Finally, many of these new CAD systems are available as freeware for education purposes, so the universities can save license costs. The chances and risks of cloud-based systems will first be analyzed in this paper. Then two leading cloud-based CAD systems will be researched. During the process, the technical performance range these new systems offer for the product development will be initially checked and reviewed. For this purpose, various criteria are worked out and the CAD software is evaluated using these criteria. In addition, the criteria are weighted by their importance for design education. This allows one to conclude which capabilities the different CAD system offers for use in education.