Guidelines for Selecting Design Representations

Number of Representations:

· a product forming one design must be depicted in multiple views, preferably up to 10 views, from which we select 7 views from different sides, or 3 additional views

· if the product is symmetrical or simple in shape, the number of views may be smaller (e.g., a microSD card can be depicted in three representations)

· if the product is complex, at least 7 images are needed (e.g., pliers)

· if the design consists of a logo, a pattern, a graphic symbol, or an ornamentation, then one image is sufficient.

Type of Representations:

· the representation can be a photograph, a drawing, a painting, or a render from a computer model; combining photographs with drawings in one design version is not recommended.

in a multiple application, one version can be shown by photographs (e.g., a manufactured product, 7 photographs), and another by 3D-rendered images (e.g., an unmanufactured designed product, 7 images).

· representations can be in color (if color protection is desired) or shades of gray/black lines; color images will be converted to shades of gray if black-and-white protection is specified.

· images must not have distracting backgrounds, position numbers, dimensions, or other elements that complement the product’s shape; edge elements can be removed, but overlapping elements require new images.

Examples of appropriate and inappropriate depictions  

Solution: increase DPI, provide new photographs

Solution: remove the background and render 3D model anew

inappropriate (portable gas stove)

depiction of different versions of the products, the first one has openings in the arms, the second version lacks these openings

appropriate

correct combination, both arms contain the openings and therefore the version is the same

solution: either provide depictions of same versions, or file as two separate applications

Special Cases:

· if a product has multiple user-accessible positions (e.g., closed/open), these positions can be included in one design version; positions only accessible to service personnel for repair are excluded.