[JamesCH95]

I think the point is that if a designer/engineer has a very clear idea of what an elegant solution is, could be, they should be able to explain or convey the needed information with simple sketches, and then spend a minimum amount of time detailing the design in a CAD program. The N-CAD skill can be invaluable and it seems as if many students are missing it.

As an example: 2 months after I was hired I was responsible for designing a number of replacement parts for a high-g-load testing machine that was not working properly. This machine was too dangerous to run in our main engineering building, so a technician and I were over an hour away from any CAD-capable computer, but only 10 minutes from a machine shop when we were debugging it. My employer was VERY happy for me to make hand sketches of parts to give to the machine shop because saved time and money on the project as the deadline loomed nearer (not to mention many miles on my car!)