Traditional iterative design was used with product design teams where, for every major release, a prototype was made, examined, and then refined. This was the application that 3D printing first sought to revolutionize. By utilizing 3D printing, designers were able to reduce the time between revisions, speeding up R&D, and reducing costs associated with prototyping.

The same iterative design is also common in software development, which goes by the name agile development. In agile development, developers deliver and review a prototype, either within their team or sometimes also with the customer. The review process allows for feedback, which is used as material for the next iteration. The process repeats until everyone is satisfied.

What's exciting is that the field of architecture has been evolving over the past several years, as more emphasis is being put on the need for 3D modeling. 3D modeling has many benefits, including better visualization for all types of buildings, better error checking, virtual walkthroughs and tours, stunning marketing and promotional tools, and improved coordination between architects, engineers, and contractors. Unfortunately, up until recently, creating a prototype was extremely time-consuming, and required a fair amount of artistic skill, but those who did have the skills and the time to invest would stand out above the competition. This is where 3D printing comes into architecture—to give an architect an unfair advantage over their competition.

2D drawings and 3D CAD models can only go so far; not everyone can take the virtual model or image and relate this to the real world. Also, who's to say that the beautiful building we have designed will actually look as it does on the computer screen, maintain the functionality we've outlined, or most importantly, meet the client's needs. By utilizing 3D printing and an iterative design approach, we allow for maximal client comprehension and more beneficial feedback.