More college graduates are well-versed in SOLIDWORKS than any other CAD system. SOLIDWORKS continues to lead the charge with a presence in a multitude of high schools and even some middle schools. Students are learning the skills necessary to lead the future of design.
But what about the younger generations? Their creativity seems to know no bounds. So what can we do to introduce them to 3D design and allow that creativity to flourish?
Introducing SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids
An exciting new suite of design applications was announced at the SOLIDWORKS World 2016 convention. SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids will allow children to bring their ideas to life. Watch the video to see how SOLIDWORKS breaks down different stages of the design workflow for kids:
6 SOLIDWORKS Apps
Currently, SOLIDWORKS has six apps that will help children take ideas through the stages of design and even allow them to hold their 3D printed models. Here they are:
1. Capture It
Capture It allows kids to express their ideas and start a design story using pictures, video or sound. From creating inspiration boards to canvases and even collages, the sky is the limit. Since kids can use their smartphone to add content, so they aren’t restricted by certain devices.
2. Shape It
Similar to how SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD transforms ideas into new products, Shape It is a kid-friendly tool that lets kids turn ideas into 3D models. This intuitive and easy-to-use modeling tool helps children create anything they can imagine. The design process can adapt with their imagination.
3. Style It
After using the Capture It and Shape It feature, kids can use Style It to add color, stickers, backgrounds and more. With this SOLIDWORKS app for kids, they can even paint right onto the model for more a realistic finished product.
4. Mech It
While featuers like SOLIDWORKS Toolbox and Smart Fasteners let professional users easily add nuts, bolts and screws to assemblies, Mech It allows kids to snap together shapes that function like real parts. Whether drawing spiral art or making parts move, this app makes working with mechanisms easier than ever.
5. Show It
After working hard to capture, shape, style and mech parts, the Show It feature lets kids share their creation and tell a story using fun interactive slide show.
6. Print It
And last but not least, Print It makes the design come to life in 2D, 3D or one of the fun project-based formats. What a perfect transition into additive manufacturing!
SOLIDWORKS is currently looking for candidates to help make these apps fun and easy to use. If you know of kids that would be interested in diving into the world of design, make sure to sign up!
Interested in other ways SOLIDWORKS is impacting younger generations? Read about this high school student who became a Certified SOLIDWORKS Expert (CSWE).
