THE NYERI NATIONAL POLTECHNIC
FASHION DESIGN AND COSMETOLOGY DEPARTMENT
CAT 2
COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN
FDM6/24M3
Answer all the questions.
1. What is Computer-Aided Design (CAD), and how is it applied in the fashion design
process? ( 2 marks)
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is a technology that allows designers to create, modify,
analyze, and optimize designs digitally using specialized software. Instead of sketching
ideas by hand, designers can use CAD tools to generate accurate, scalable, and detailed
representations of their concepts on a computer screen.
2. List five computer support components which are crucial for computer Aided
Designing. (5 marks)
CPU
Hardware
Software
Databases
Drive
3. Briefly discuss the basic activities of CAD system. (5 marks)
Inputting
Processing
Storing
Displaying
Outputting
4. Outline five functions of CAD systems in fashion industry. (5 marks)
Geometric Modeling
Creating the shape and form of objects using points, lines, curves, and surfaces.
Includes 2D drafting and 3D modeling (solid, surface, or wireframe models).
Design and Drafting
Development of precise engineering drawings and technical illustrations.
, Includes dimensioning, annotation, and layout for manufacturing or construction.
Visualization
Rendering designs to visualize how the product will look.
Often includes shading, color, and lighting for realism.
Simulation and Analysis
Testing designs virtually under different conditions (e.g., stress, heat, motion).
Helps identify design flaws before physical prototyping.
Documentation
Producing detailed drawings, specifications, and material lists.
Essential for manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance.
Data Management
Storing and managing design files and versions.
Often integrated with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tools
5. Adobe illustrator is one of the software used in CAD, highlight 5 tools used to create
designs in adobe illustrator stating the use of every tool. (5 marks)
1. Pen Tool (P)
Use: To create precise paths using anchor points and handles.
Ideal for drawing custom shapes, smooth curves, and technical outlines.
Common in tracing complex components in engineering diagrams.
2. Shape Tools (M for Rectangle, L for Ellipse, etc.)
Use: To create basic geometric shapes like rectangles, ellipses, polygons, and stars.
Shapes can be resized, combined, and manipulated into complex designs.
Widely used in mechanical design to outline components and structures.
3. Pathfinder Tool
Use: To combine, subtract, intersect, or exclude shapes.
FASHION DESIGN AND COSMETOLOGY DEPARTMENT
CAT 2
COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN
FDM6/24M3
Answer all the questions.
1. What is Computer-Aided Design (CAD), and how is it applied in the fashion design
process? ( 2 marks)
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is a technology that allows designers to create, modify,
analyze, and optimize designs digitally using specialized software. Instead of sketching
ideas by hand, designers can use CAD tools to generate accurate, scalable, and detailed
representations of their concepts on a computer screen.
2. List five computer support components which are crucial for computer Aided
Designing. (5 marks)
CPU
Hardware
Software
Databases
Drive
3. Briefly discuss the basic activities of CAD system. (5 marks)
Inputting
Processing
Storing
Displaying
Outputting
4. Outline five functions of CAD systems in fashion industry. (5 marks)
Geometric Modeling
Creating the shape and form of objects using points, lines, curves, and surfaces.
Includes 2D drafting and 3D modeling (solid, surface, or wireframe models).
Design and Drafting
Development of precise engineering drawings and technical illustrations.
, Includes dimensioning, annotation, and layout for manufacturing or construction.
Visualization
Rendering designs to visualize how the product will look.
Often includes shading, color, and lighting for realism.
Simulation and Analysis
Testing designs virtually under different conditions (e.g., stress, heat, motion).
Helps identify design flaws before physical prototyping.
Documentation
Producing detailed drawings, specifications, and material lists.
Essential for manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance.
Data Management
Storing and managing design files and versions.
Often integrated with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tools
5. Adobe illustrator is one of the software used in CAD, highlight 5 tools used to create
designs in adobe illustrator stating the use of every tool. (5 marks)
1. Pen Tool (P)
Use: To create precise paths using anchor points and handles.
Ideal for drawing custom shapes, smooth curves, and technical outlines.
Common in tracing complex components in engineering diagrams.
2. Shape Tools (M for Rectangle, L for Ellipse, etc.)
Use: To create basic geometric shapes like rectangles, ellipses, polygons, and stars.
Shapes can be resized, combined, and manipulated into complex designs.
Widely used in mechanical design to outline components and structures.
3. Pathfinder Tool
Use: To combine, subtract, intersect, or exclude shapes.
