Mastering SolidWorks: The Design Approach, 3rd Edition

Chapter 3

Design Intent

3.1 Introduction

Design intent is important in CAD design. It influences the way we think about creating CAD models. Generally, we define design intent as the rationale behind the decision-making process during design. There is a difference between design intent and design functionality. Intent justifies the design, whereas functionality describes what the design does. The effect of design intent is observed in design and manufacturing tasks, such as editing/modifying a design or manufacturing a part. Design intent is not a well-defined topic; it is open to different interpretations and may take various forms. Some view design intent as equations, geometric relations, mating conditions in assemblies, and/or the sequence ...