How My Definition of a “Good Design” Changed

At the beginning, a good sheet metal design meant something that was fully defined in CAD—no missing dimensions, no ambiguity, fully constrained geometry.

Over time, that definition shifted.

Now, a “good design” feels more like one that:

• Can tolerate small real-world variation
• Assembles without force or adjustment
• Doesn’t depend on perfect execution in every step
• Leaves controlled freedom where needed

The CAD model didn’t become simpler, but the expectations behind it changed.

It became less about controlling every detail, and more about ensuring the design still works when reality introduces variation.

💬 Has your definition of a “good design” changed over time as well?

#sheet metal# #design guide# #enclosure#