Digital data control model: the interface between design and technology
Digital data control model: the interface between design and technology
The data control model mediates between design and construction. Here you will find out here how exciting it is to be able to answer design questions in fractions of a second using digital simulations during the development of the new ID.3.
A digital data control model (DDKM) serves to reconcile the Design department’s ideas and technical feasibility during development. This visual simulation solution is capable of calculating and displaying current development states in a fraction of a second. This saves time and also money. In the sixth episode of “Becoming ID.”, we talk to Stefan Langewellpott, Head of Class-A Surfacing and Visualisation, about how exciting it was to be the interface between design and technology of the new ID.3 and to be able to calculate light, shadows and reflections and to reproduce them physically in 3D.
What inspired you the most when developing the ID. family?
The momentum created by the modular electric drive matrix (MEB). In a short time, we have developed a completely new vehicle concept, a unique platform and the first body variants – known as heads. The entire team felt like they were part of something special.
At what point did you realise that electric mobility is about to make a breakthrough for everyone?
The first time I drove an ID.3 prototype on public roads. Its vehicle concept, architecture and feel were new and yet simultaneously convincing. The handling is different from what you are used to but better. With its low centre of gravity, the ID.3 is light-footed and agile because there is always enough power available – without losing comfort. With its range of up to 550 kilometres, long distances are no problem and the interior is very spacious. Definitely not an ascetic concept but rather the future.
Volkswagen can achieve great things. That was the case with the Golf, and is also true of the ID.3.Stefan LangewellpottHead of Class-A Surfacing and Visualization
In detail: which technology do you find most fascinating in the new ID.3?
For me it is definitely the concept as a whole. The traditional vehicle approach in the compact class has remained almost unchanged for around 50 years: beginning with the Mini with a front-transverse engine to the Golf with four doors and large rear lid. With ID.3, we have not simply advanced this conceptual optimum but rather revolutionised it. The modular electric drive matrix now opens up completely new levels of freedom in terms of the package, spaciousness and design freedom.
What was the biggest challenge you faced over the entire course of the project?
In general, developing a completely new vehicle concept – interior and exterior – with a new style to series maturity in a short time. The fact that the series design largely corresponds to the first drafts was the greatest challenge and makes us proud of the ID.3. Specifically, our team has transformed the design into feasible technology. We are essentially the mediators between designers and technicians. Using the digital development process, we can calculate current design statuses and components in fractions of a second and display them photorealistically – or discuss them directly. This saves time and also money.
How exactly can one imagine the final acceptance of a digital data control model (DDKM) for the exterior?
The final product of our work is a detailed description of the CAD skin surfaces, which form the basis for the corresponding components. These class-A surfaces are visualised photorealistically and in real time. In the DDKM acceptance, this digital vehicle model is presented to the Board of Management, possible faults or desired optimisations are discussed and the vehicle receives final acceptance.
What will you take away from this project personally?
We have truly succeeded in pleasing everyone in this project, which is a great feeling.
With our high-end visualisation in real time, we have constantly ensured high, consistent design quality plus rapid and reliable decision-making with the ID.3.
These fast processes ensured a stable – and thus energy and material-saving – project ramp-up. As such, the DDKM makes an important contribution to the corporate strategy along with digitalisation, sustainability and the electric mobility offensive. I once again realised that Volkswagen can achieve great things. This was the case with the Golf and ID.3 demonstrates this again.
