Award of Distinction - 1999 EPSS Design Contest 

Autodesk - Inventor^tm Design Support Systems 

Purpose

• A mechanical design professional
• Not necessarily a degreed engineer, but has some technical education/training (minimum of an associate degree).
• Most education comes from "on-the-job" experience.
• Typically uses the product 30-50% of his/her time (average mean per year)
• Focuses primarily on the design and documentation of some physical system
• Usually wants to produce a multiple-view drawing of a component or assembly
• Typically works in a small team.
• Has little time for formal or classroom training.

• Occasional: Generally regarded as one who will use Autodesk Inventor infrequently, but will expect the product to help him/her perform rigorous design and modeling tasks. Aside from learning basic modeling concepts, occasional users need to be productive within minutes every time they use the product.

• HTML 4.0, JavaScript, ActiveX and DHTML controls and objects (using Microsoft IE 4.0 and 5.0 browser components).
• Compiled HTML Workshop files that can be upgraded over the web (independent of releases)
• COM automation layer for command control and data exchange between DSS and Inventor.
• "Intelligent" new error handling architecture (built in C++/MFC) and recovery system (patent-pending)
  

Purpose	Helps you (first time user) get started with the application
When Used	First time into the application
Options	See what’s new about the tool View a demonstration of how to model Learn how to build (your own) models using the tool See the various DSS tools available to you Start using the product right away
Result	Users who wanted support before attempting to model were able quickly navigate to DSS modules based on choice (i.e., I want to see a demo first, use the coach to build my first model, etc.)

Online Help

Purpose	Provides concept, reference, or procedural instructions in context, on demand.
When Used	Whenever you want: Concepts: why/when I would use a command Instructions: how to use Reference: required parameters of a command.
Options	Find topics either by browsing the TOC or by clicking on HTML links (web-like navigation). Perform an index or Boolean search for information. Bookmark favorite topics. Navigate between Concept, How To, and Reference information with one click. Execute commands from within an instruction (see example)
Result	Users were able to find relevant information with one click. The custom navigation bar, liberal use of images/animations, and ability to execute a command from within a help topic won praise from users as "the best help I’ve ever used in any system".

What’s New

Purpose	Helps you identify the new features, functions of the current release
When Used	First time into the product Anytime (for reference, refresh memory about a feature, etc.)
Options	For each functional area of the product click to see the associated (new) features. Each area includes: Teach Me: Instructions as to how to operate or create the feature Tell Me: Displays online help about the feature Show Me: (when applicable) shows an animated example (Show Me).
Results	What’s New was a particular favorite of expert users already familiar with other 3D systems. They used this to quickly see "what’s different" about Inventor. (What’s New is also being considered for use by some class instructors as a learning aid).

DesignProfä (patent pending)

Purpose	Demonstrate and coach you through building your own model(s) using the product.
When Used	To learn how to build a model in Inventor. Anytime (for reference, refresh memory, etc.)
Options	Demo – See an animated demonstration of how it’s done in Inventor. Mentor – Interactively coaches you through building a model. With each step, DesignProf tracks what you’ve done and automatically calls the appropriate command. Study – Choose whatever topic, subject, or feature you want to build in any order you choose.
Result	Effective with early users because it allowed them to build what they wanted, but do it without prior knowledge of the tool. In one instance, an Autodesk executive’s 8 year old son – without assistance- sat down and successfully modeled a basic part using DesignProf.

Visual Syllabusä (patent pending)

Design Doctorä (patent pending)

Purpose	Allows you to identify, diagnose, and treat (fix) modeling failures. Design Doctor only appears when a failure occurs. Error messages display with a red cross, which you then click on to activate the Doctor. NOTE: Typically one of the most difficult operations in parametric 3D modeling programs.
When Used	Whenever you experience a modeling failure.
Options	Highlight the problem, then select a treatment from a recommended list.
Result	Users say this is unlike anything they have ever seen in any CAD system. Several expert users reported that the Doctor found obscure errors that stopped a model from computing, allowing them to fix it in a matter of minutes (in some cases the same failure would have taken up to an hour to find, diagnose, and fix).

Autodesk Online

Purpose	Allows access to additional training, support, and product information.
When Used	Whenever you want to update your DSS system, look for answers to questions, get online support, look for additional product information.
Options	Anything that is available and relevant on the ADSK (or other) web sites.
Result	User feedback at this time is unavailable, as the Inventor website is under construction.

How-To Help

Purpose	Provides support while still in a command.
When Used	Whenever you’re uncertain as to what to do next (for the command you’ve chosen).
Options	Read relevant instruction or see a "Show Me" animation that demonstrates the operation.
Result	Next to the Visual Syllabus, Show Me animations were found to be the most used and helpful. People liked the small, quick examples that demonstrated the operation, vs. text attempting to explain how it’s done.

Overall Results

• Delights customers, which makes learning and modeling fun. Visual Syllabus/DesignProf encourages users to experiment and was an instant hit with all who saw and/or used it. Users particularly liked the small picture palette of options from which to choose.
  
• Helps users achieve "day-one productivity" with the software. Enhanced performance without the need for separate training events or classes (reduced productivity and training costs). Based on early reports, users are demonstrating competency with the tool that was achieved by just using the DSS.
  
• Helps the transition from 2D design to 3D modeling. Although engineering and manufacturing companies are striving to adopt 3D design, it is difficult and costly to re-train 2D designers. Again, feedback indicates that Inventor’s DSS helps remove this barrier for first-time 2D users by making learning less threatening and fun.
  

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