"Necessity is the mother of invention", as the proverb goes, but the process of improvement or innovation can continue for a long time. The timescale of take-up of many innovations is now shortening, thanks to the advances in computing and communication. Here are a few projects that have been accelerated from concept to future commercialisation with the help of communication via 3D modelling.
Projects – allow a moment for files to load
Innovation
Innovators see connections that aren’t there. It’s what makes them seem a little outlandish. As Henry Ford famously said, “If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.” Innovative systems make advancements by learning about and connecting far-flung concepts. They then integrate them into something that never existed before. In that way, future innovations are more artful curation than invention.
Innovation and invention are closely connected, but they are not synonyms and should never be used interchangeably – innovation and invention are two very different things.
By definition, an invention has to be something entirely new, so an idea is something that has never been done before. To invent something is to discover a new thing.
Meanwhile, to innovate means “to use a new idea or method”. To innovate is to introduce something new to the market, to manipulate existing inventions and turn them into a product or process used in the real world.
Of course, inventions also have to be proven to work. You can’t simply come up with any new idea – you have to be able to show that you can make it a success. That’s where innovation comes in. Innovators might come up with something that is not new at all. Instead, they operate within the realm of what already exists to create a commercially successful product or process that will satisfy a market need and create a competitive advantage.
Innovators use existing processes and platforms to create and prove a new idea or concept. 3D CAD modelling is one of those platforms that allows a new concept to be given life. 3D CAD modelling and its associated technologies can demonstrate that ideas and inventions can become commercially successful and communicate that fact clearly - saving development time and cost.
Andrew (Andy) Holland
Business Bio
Andrew Holland is a distinguished professional with over four decades of experience in engineering illustration, technical graphics, and creative marketing. His career began in 1979 at Mid Cheshire College of Art and Design, where he mastered traditional engineering illustration techniques. His expertise led to significant contracts with British Aerospace, where he produced technical content for maintenance manuals, adhering to stringent ATA 100 specifications.
In the 1990s, Andrew co-founded Visual Eyes, an illustration and design studio that thrived under his leadership. His deep understanding of engineering and creative marketing, coupled with his proficiency in desktop PC creative applications, positioned him as a critical player in the digital revolution. His leadership was instrumental in the studio's success, including the development of an innovative online store for 'Pets at Home.'
In 2000, Andrew took on the role of Creative Director at a digital print facility in Salford Quays, where he demonstrated his strategic skills by developing an online, print-on-demand document service for the NHS. This innovative solution seamlessly integrated technology with business needs and was a testament to his ability to drive practical and effective change. His next venture at Architectural Supplies saw him rebrand the company as 'Rapierstar,' doubling sales and establishing the brand as a leader in the fenestration industry.
Andrew's innovative thinking and talent for creating industry-leading solutions came to the fore in 2014 with the development of PROSHIELD™, a cutting-edge masonry treatment. By 2021, his efforts had contributed to a 250% increase in Rapierstar's sales turnover. Today, Andrew continues to drive innovation, utilizing his mastery of Dassault Systèmes Solidworks to design and develop new construction products. His unique blend of engineering expertise and creative marketing has solidified his reputation as a leader in the industry.
"Engineering is not just about following established paths; it's about exploring multiple solutions and embracing the uncertainty of outcomes. My ability to synthesize knowledge from various disciplines, keeping the systemic nature of problems in view, is key to my success."