Need to interview an Engineer who uses Sketches

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the process of interviewing an engineer who utilizes sketches as a means of communication. Participants explore the tools and methods engineers use when sketching, as well as the context in which sketches are created and refined.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests contacting a civil engineer involved in home inspections, noting that they often sketch layouts either on paper or using CAD software.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of preparing questions and researching CAD programs to engage meaningfully with the engineer.
  • An engineer shares their personal sketching process, stating they typically start with a pencil and paper, often without a ruler, as they believe the quality of the line does not impact the CAD operator's ability to interpret the sketch.
  • This engineer describes their approach of initially scribbling ideas and then refining them for clarity before handing them off to a CAD operator, highlighting the collaborative nature of the process.
  • The engineer notes that while they can use CAD themselves, they prefer to let CAD operators handle the detailed work to save costs for clients.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of sketching in engineering communication, but there are varying opinions on the tools and methods used, as well as the best practices for conducting interviews with engineers.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the lack of specific details on the types of sketches used in different engineering fields and the absence of a structured approach to the interview process.

Student7
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Homework Statement


I have to interview an engineer who uses sketches to convey ideas to others. I need to write a small essay based upon the response from such an engineer


Homework Equations


What tools do you use when Sketching? What type of sketch do you generally start with?

How do you generally start sketching?

The Attempt at a Solution

Any other helpful insights would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
 
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why not contact a civil engineer in your area that does home inspections? Sometimes they sketch out the house layout either on paper or using some CAD software. You also might be able to find a mechanical engineer from the telephone book that would help in your quest.

If you do go this route then you need to think about what you want to ask and do some research like investigating CAD programs or how people do drafting so you'll sound somewhat knowledgeable. You don't want to waste the engineer's time and you do want to make sure you thank them taking time out to be interviewed.
 
What tools do you use when Sketching? What type of sketch do you generally start with?

I generally start with a pencil and a piece of paper. I honestly rarely use a ruler. A squiggly line looks the same to a CAD operator as it does a perfectly straight line made by a ruler...why waste time?

How do you generally start sketching?

The Attempt at a Solution

Any other helpful insights would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

I just start scribbling any idea I can come up with. Then I redraw it again so my CAD guy can read legible writing and understand what I'm talking about. He takes my "vague" sketch and turns it into a masterpiece worthy of issuing to a real client.

If it is a sketch for a client, I may actually use a ruler, but not necessarily. I can do CAD myself, but clients don't want to pay high engineer rates when they can pay lower CAD operator rates.
 
For privacy and anti-phishing reasons, interview threads are not allowed at the PF. Sorry, this thread is closed.
 

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