Short answer

Incorporate 3D modelling software, 3D printing, and potentially AR/VR into the design curriculum to bolster students' spatial reasoning and comprehension of orthographic projection.

Field: Modelling
Source: European Journal of STEM Education (2026)
Method: Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and reflexive thematic analysis.
Sample: 15 participants (10 students, 5 teachers)
Evidence: Moderate effect

Integrating 3D visualization tools like CAD, 3D-printed models, and immersive technologies can significantly improve students' grasp of orthographic projection in technical and vocational education. This modelling research insight is drawn from a 2026 study published in European Journal of STEM Education. Using Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and reflexive thematic analysis. with 15 participants (10 students, 5 teachers), researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Incorporate 3D modelling software, 3D printing, and potentially AR/VR into the design curriculum to bolster students' spatial reasoning and comprehension of orthographic projection.

Study

ModellingNew This WeekModerate effect

3D Visualization Tools Enhance Orthographic Projection Understanding in TVET

Integrating 3D visualization tools like CAD, 3D-printed models, and immersive technologies can significantly improve students' grasp of orthographic projection in technical and vocational education.

European Journal of STEM Education · 2026

Key Findings

01Students struggle with spatial visualization, understanding projection methods, drawing accuracy, and CAD usage.
02Current teaching relies heavily on paper-based instruction and manual sketching, with limited digital tool integration.
03Potential strategies for improvement include expanded CAD practice, 3D-printed models, industry-linked projects, and immersive tools (AR/VR).

Application

Design takeaway

Incorporate 3D modelling software, 3D printing, and potentially AR/VR into the design curriculum to bolster students' spatial reasoning and comprehension of orthographic projection.

How to apply

When teaching technical drawing or design fundamentals, utilize CAD software to create and manipulate 3D models that can then be used to derive orthographic views. Consider using 3D printing to create physical models for students to interact with.

Project actions

01When researching a design problem, consider how different visualization methods (e.g., sketching, CAD, physical models) can aid understanding.
02If your design involves complex geometry, explore using 3D modelling software to generate technical drawings and to help communicate your design intent.

Method & Evidence

AimWhat are the challenges students face with orthographic projection, what are current teaching practices, and what opportunities exist for improving engineering drawing instruction in Indonesian vocational high schools?

MethodQualitative study using semi-structured interviews and reflexive thematic analysis.

ProcedureSemi-structured interviews were conducted with ten students and five teachers to gather data on challenges, teaching practices, and perceived opportunities for improving orthographic projection instruction. The collected data were then analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Sample15 participants (10 students, 5 teachers)

ContextIndonesian vocational high schools (TVET)

Variables

IVUse of 3D visualization tools (e.g., CAD, 3D prints, AR/VR) vs. traditional methods.

DVStudent understanding of orthographic projection, spatial visualization skills, drawing accuracy.

CVStudent prior experience with drawing, teacher's teaching style, curriculum content.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Provides qualitative insights into student and teacher perspectives.
+Identifies specific challenges and potential solutions relevant to TVET.

Limitations

The effectiveness of these tools can depend on access to technology and teacher training.

Reliability & validity

The qualitative nature of the study provides rich insights but may have limited generalizability. The findings are based on participant perceptions, which could be subject to bias. The small sample size also impacts statistical reliability.

Think critically

To what extent do the perceived benefits of 3D visualization tools translate into measurable improvements in technical drawing proficiency across different educational levels and disciplines?

Design Principles

"Leverage multi-modal representation (2D, 3D, virtual) to enhance spatial understanding in technical drawing."

Orthographic projection is a critical skill for technical communication and design. Traditional methods often fall short in developing the necessary spatial visualization abilities. By incorporating modern 3D tools, design education can better equip students with the skills needed for contemporary engineering and manufacturing environments.

What This Means for Your Design

Learning to draw things from different sides (orthographic projection) is hard for some students. Using computer models and 3D printing can make it much easier to understand.

How to use in your project

1.Reference this study when discussing the importance of visualization skills in your design project and how you used specific modelling techniques to overcome challenges.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research indicates that contemporary approaches to teaching orthographic projection, particularly within vocational settings, benefit significantly from the integration of digital modelling tools. Findings suggest that challenges in spatial visualization and understanding projection methods can be mitigated through the use of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, 3D-printed models, and immersive technologies, leading to improved student comprehension and engagement.

Source

European Journal of STEM Education

Challenges, teaching practices, and opportunities in orthographic projection: A qualitative study in indonesian TVET

journal · 2026

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about 3d visualization tools enhance orthographic projection understanding in tvet?: Incorporate 3D modelling software, 3D printing, and potentially AR/VR into the design curriculum to bolster students' spatial reasoning and comprehension of orthographic projection. Evidence: European Journal of STEM Education (2026).
Why does "3D Visualization Tools Enhance Orthographic Projection Understanding in TVET" matter for design?: Orthographic projection is a critical skill for technical communication and design. Traditional methods often fall short in developing the necessary spatial visualization abilities. By incorporating modern 3D tools, design education can better equip students with the skills needed for contemporary engineering and manufacturing environments.
How can designers apply this research?: Incorporate 3D modelling software, 3D printing, and potentially AR/VR into the design curriculum to bolster students' spatial reasoning and comprehension of orthographic projection.
What were the main findings?: Students struggle with spatial visualization, understanding projection methods, drawing accuracy, and CAD usage.. Current teaching relies heavily on paper-based instruction and manual sketching, with limited digital tool integration.. Potential strategies for improvement include expanded CAD practice, 3D-printed models, industry-linked projects, and immersive tools (AR/VR).
What research method was used?: Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and reflexive thematic analysis. with 15 participants (10 students, 5 teachers).
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2026 journal from European Journal of STEM Education.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When teaching technical drawing or design fundamentals, utilize CAD software to create and manipulate 3D models that can then be used to derive orthographic views. Consider using 3D printing to create physical models for students to interact with.
What are the limitations?: Findings are based on participant perceptions and may not reflect demonstrated effectiveness. The study is context-specific to Indonesian TVET.