Catch22

I was recently contacted by a large, well-known architectural firm to do some training and I sent them an e-mail outlining my approach and the topics I cover for a typical three day training session.

I focus on fundamental training; sometimes basic training, but more often than not fairly complex processes using fundamental tools in combinations not often apparent to even experienced users, but it's always fundamentals training.  The stress is on using the concepts behind the software to develop a workflow that best utilizes the hardware and software for efficiency and flexibility.

What the company wanted was for me to come in and “train on a current project”.  This invariably fails for two reasons; the project is usually well on the way and the trainer has no time to grasp the scope of the project in a day or two, therefore it's extremely difficult to determine how to make the best of a potentially bad start.  The second reason is the usually low quality CAD files (in terms of visualization) that are found in most offices today.  I am constantly amazed at the poor workmanship I encounter; arrays of entities piled on top of each other, poor layering practices, and sloppy line work, just to mention a few of the more common issues.  Clean CAD files are not difficult to create, but there's a pervasive lack of understanding of the link with visualization.

There can also be considerable handwork to weld vertices that become separated during import or to detach and attach shapes and objects into layering schemes that makes sense for visualization.  These items are not difficult to fix either, but the time involved can be considerable and certainly don't contribute to a good training experience.

The answer is...

I'm afraid it's not that simple. Learning 3ds Max is similar to learning to play the violin.  You need to get the fundamentals down pat and then practice, practice, before moving on to Carnegie Hall.  It is wiser to start with small projects until becoming accustomed to the issues involved in the company's particular types of projects, then increasing complexity is the foundation of knowledge develops.  Architects, more than anyone else, should understand the importance of a well-developed solid foundation, but that usually doesn't translate into 3ds Max training for the management in most offices.  Time and budgets are always tight, but not getting good training is shortsighted and counterproductive, but a common approach.

I'd like to say that things will change, but after 25 years of using CAD workmanship hasn't improved considerably, and I fear the only hope is for programs like Inventor and Revit to remove the responsibility from the user.  However, this approach has its own problems.

Learn to work smarter, not harder and you can relieve a lot of stress and frustration in today's workplace.