Computer Aided Design-CAD is defined the use of information technology (IT) in the Design process. A CAD system consists of IT hardware (H/W), specialised software (S/W) (depending on the particular area of application) and peripherals, which in certain applications are quite specialised.

The core of a CAD system is the S/W, which makes use of graphics for product representation; databases for storing the product model and drives the peripherals for product presentation. Its use does not change the nature of the design process but as the name states it aids the product designer. The designer is the main actor in the process, in all phases from problem identification to the implementation phase.