DIGITAL PROTOTYPING AND 3D MODELING TECHNOLOGIES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIVE FURNITURE DESIGN

Abstract

The integration of computational systems into object design fundamentally redefines the processes of creating physical artifacts, shifting the focus from manual labor to algorithmic generation. The research problem lies in the insufficient systematization of methods for transitioning from conceptual 3D modeling to the development of comprehensive digital prototypes suitable for simulating physical properties and direct digital manufacturing in the furniture industry. The objective of this article is to conduct a comprehensive analysis and practical validation of parametric modeling technologies, alongside digital prototyping, as key tools for developing innovative furniture. The research methodology is grounded in computational design concepts, encompassing visual programming of forms, integration of finite element analysis, and virtual testing of an object's physico-mechanical characteristics within CAD environments. A design experiment was implemented to create an adaptive furniture item—an ergonomic chair featuring a complex spatial structure—utilizing an algorithmic editor. The results demonstrate that employing detailed digital prototypes enables a significant reduction in the number of physical iterations, enhances the ergonomic performance of the product, and incorporates mass customization principles at the earliest stages of design. The scientific contribution of the article consists in structuring an end-to-end algorithm for transitioning from static 3D modeling to dynamic parametric prototyping, accounting for the technological constraints of CNC equipment. This approach transforms the traditional production cycle by minimizing material costs, reducing environmental impact, and substantially accelerating the market introduction of innovative products.