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The third video on Automation is a quick look at some of the ‘other and miscellaneous' tools in the DDD toolboxes, some of which don't always get a lot of mileage - but for the sake of completeness in this series described here as best I can: Break…

This video describes the first of three methods for adding dimensional constraints to a DDD solution, namely: Adding a Variable while placing a dimensonion On a side note, another procedure was shown here: copying a DDD solution. It's worth noticing…

The final piece of the jigsaw when building DDD solutions

Unlocking the endless possibilities and power of DDD though the use of Algebraic Constraints, at the very least, standalone Algebraic constraints solutions can serve as saved calculations that might be repeatedly punched into your desktop calculator.…

This video takes a deeper look at comaprisons between Automatic and Manual solution building with 3 different methods: Manual Convert to Profile (auto) Sketch Profile (auto) This is also probably the first opportunity to see a ‘completed…

Placing a DDD solution as a cell (using the DD Cell tool palette, keyin: DDCELL TOOL) opens up a few more functions to us. It allows us to place the cell with or without constraints and designate each variables values before placing the cell graphics…

Following on from the previous video, an example of Conditional Formatting Driving Graphics in the practical example.

In this, the first video proper, the foundation components of DDD are introduced; namely Constructions and Constraints. If watching this video series in conjunction with other DDD documentation, note that there may be some slight variations in…

This video continues directly on from the previous discussion on Degrees of Freedom, and looks at how Microstation displays visual feedbask through element symbology as to the status or ‘definedness' of your working solution. The language of DDD…

This video is about Rounding values that are retrieved from Expressions, similar to round, roundup, rounddown, ceiling, floor etc in Microsoft Excel. However, we only have a much much shorter list of options available to us in DDD - and even those are…

All about understanding, adding, removing, testing and reporting degrees of freedom in a DDD solution. From the Help File: ...ambiguity in a design is summed up by a number called "degrees of freedom." Each new construction adds degrees…

This final video follows on from Table Lookups Part 1 to complete the set and complete the whole series on Dimension Driven Design in MicroStation. If you have managed to stick with me the whole way through the series, congratulations! Thanks…

To present some Conditional Formatting in the DDD solution, another little bit of Math is employed. I prefer to use Conditional Formatting to give visual feedback during the design to let me know if I have exceeded design limits. But not to retrict me…

Looking at the various types of dimensions that can be assigned as constraints, which make up three main groups: Distance Radial Angular Then describing a selection of the most suitable dimensioning tools for conversion to constraints…

This video deals with the Point-On and Point-At geometric constaints, their implementation and usgae. I've also described an important and very useful behaviour where a circle construction can be used to behave a point construction in the right…

More Math... How to return either the minimum or maximum values by comparing the resutlts of two different expressions... again, I have found this unassuming little ability VERY important - DDD would be practically of very little use to me, if I…

There are 3 types of Special Constructions in Microstation's DDD toolbox: B-Splines Constrained B-Splines B-Spline Cells B-Splines are like LOCKed elements (no degreees of freedom) and can have points Constrained ON them. Constrained…

This Video continues directly from the practical example started in Part 1.

This video demos a technique to simulate Table Lookups . At a stretch we could think of this as a simple if, then, else construct. This is Microstation's DDD at the limits of my knowledge, and it's fun too! BUT is very very useful aswell. Don't all…

This first video Introduces the Parametric design concept in Microstation, demonstrates some examples, and discusses its suitabilty for integration into existing worflows and standards.

Following up in this video with a couple of common and practical examples: Assigning a variable to multiple dimensions (to achieve equal divisions or symmetry) Constructing an arc that can be driven by length usings equations. And as…

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Continuing directly from the previous video dealing with point geometric constaints an d discussing: Coincident Equate Finally some opinion about avoiding using the Equate Constructions command as I have found it a touch buggy. While…

As I have mentioned a couple of times already, explaining and understanding the abstract concepts, or the mental angle-of-attack assumed when preparing to work in DDD is fairly subjective. For the reader or viewer here to tune into my explanations may…