Knowledge work systems have revolutionized the capabilities of an organization in concern to data management and utilization. Computer-aided-design (CAD), or virtual, augmented (VR, AR) realities, and blockchain helped businesses to reach new heights. The usual applications of these technologies are in the field of data management, product visualization, and training; however, there is infinite potential in their development and integration with one another – and this is why they are important today.
Generally, CAD systems are used in visualization, prototyping, and understanding functions of a concept – they in great demand in architecture, product design, and engineering. According to Gao et al., their team used a CAD system to help to design a museum exhibition more efficiently (157). Since this process implies knowledge application from a great number of fields, such as “landscape architecture, audiovisual engineering, and digital media,” mistakes are likely to happen. With CAD, which allows testing the project, these mistakes are easier to spot and get rid of at an early stage. In doing so, VR and AR are extremely helpful and go hand in hand with CAD systems.
VR and AR technologies are usually used as a tool for employee training and education – while also being efficient for 3D visualization purposes. This constitutes the main value of these technologies for a business. As Thies et al. write, “virtual training is one of the main VR applications” (181). However, the usage of CAD with its integration with VR is still “at an early stage” in regards to the true collaborative system, such as cloud computing (Lemes & Lemes 25). In this case, blockchain can be extremely helpful with its capabilities to provide security of information. Since its primary characteristic is that information, once published, cannot be altered, every member can verify any action (Lemes & Lemes 25). Thus, in order for CAD systems to move forward, the technology of blockchain could be implemented in a variety of ways.
It is important to note that these technologies are of major importance because, at their core, they make use of innovative ideas that are simple but are in contradiction to the “norm” in the industry – like decentralized systems and blockchain. I have only experienced the benefits of CAD as a user, seeing how much they actually simplify the process. Although my personal experience with them remains scarce, having studied their applications, I believe that they may benefit future society immensely.
Works Cited
Gao, X., Wang, X., Yang, B., & Liu, Y. “Design of a Computer-Aided-Design System for Museum Exhibition Based on Virtual Reality”. Advances in Image and Graphics Technologies, 2017, pp. 157–167.
Lemes, Samir and Lemes, Lamija. “Blockchain in Distributed CAD Environments”. Springer (76), 2020, pp. 25-32.
Thies, L et al. “Compiling VR/AR Trainings from Business Process Models”. International Symposium on Mixed and Augmented Reality Adjunct, 2019, pp. 181-186.