History of Computer-Aided Design (CAD)

Brief History of Computer Drafting and Design

• Computer-aided design (CAD) has evolved significantly, with various key players and milestones throughout history.
• 1861: Alphonse-Louis Poitevin invented blueprints using iron ferro-gallate and light, enabling copes of architectural drawings, reducing information loss and errors during team collaboration.

Key CAD Milestones

• 1957: Dr. Patrick J. Hanratty (Father of CAD) created PRONTO, the first commercial numerical-control programming system, sparking the CAD revolution.
• 1963: Ivan Sutherland developed Sketchpad, one of the first design systems with a graphic user interface enabling light pen interaction on a CRT. It introduced the concept of "objects" and "instances" in drawings.
• 1963: Dr. Patrick J. Hanratty, General Motors, and IBM created DAC (Design Automated by Computer), an early graphic CAD system, which led to the term computer-aided design.
• 1966: McDonnell-Douglas introduced CADD (Computer-Aided Design & Drafting) internal CAD systems for parts layouts and geometry work.
• 1967: Ford created PDGS (Product Design Graphics System) as an internal CAD system.
• 1967: Itek released Digigraphics, one of the first commercial CAD systems, costing $500,000.
• 1969: Philippe Villers and Martin Allen created Computervision, selling one of the first commercial CAD systems to Xerox.
• 1971: Dr. Patrick J. Hanratty developed ADAM (Automated Drafting and Machinery), an interactive graphic system written in Fortran, which ran on mainframe computers. This system influenced up to 90% of the current commercial drafting programs.
• 1972: MAGI developed Synthavision, the first 3D solid modeling system utilizing ray-tracing for rendering images.
• 1973: United Computing created Unigraphics, a high-end, easy-to-use 2D modeling and drafting software, setting a new standard for CAD software.
• 1975: Dr. Ken Versprille introduced NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines) to CAD, enhancing surface definition within CAD systems, widely used in engineering today.
• 1977: Charles Eastman developed GLIDE (Graphical Language for Interactive Design), featuring many BIM (Building Information Modeling) design features.
• 1977-1981: Dassault Systèmes developed CATIA, a platform-independent CAD software introducing 3D modeling for engineers.
• 1980: The National Bureau of Standards (now the National Institute of Standards and Technology) created IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification), a neutral format enabling CAD design transfer between different systems. This format is now outdated, but still used where needed.
• 1981: SDRC developed GEOMOD, their geometric modeling product utilizing NURBS.
• 1982: John Walker founded Autodesk, releasing AutoCAD, the first CAD software for PCs.
• 1984: Gábor Bojár created Radar CH (later ArchiCAD), the first BIM software for personal computers.
• 1985: Richard Diehl/Diehl Graphsoft developed MiniCAD, popular CAD software for Mac computers.
• 1997: Charles River Software developed Autodesk Revit, building information modeling software, and was later purchased by Autodesk.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in CAD

• AI in CAD is revolutionizing design, automating tasks, improving accuracy, and helping designers explore various design options.

Modern CAD Tools

• 2021: ArchitectGPT is a cutting-edge AI tool enabling architects, interior designers, and real estate developers to transform their design workflow.

Discover the evolution of computer-aided design (CAD) from its inception to modern times. This quiz covers key milestones, inventions, and visionaries that have shaped the CAD landscape. Explore pivotal moments like the creation of blueprints in the 1860s and the advancements brought forth by pioneers such as Dr. Patrick J. Hanratty and Ivan Sutherland.