This conference paper examines experimental design exercises on a simulated model in relation to designing on a physical model. In the initial design phases, the process of designing on both a haptic and digital model is analysed with regard to the didactic objectives. In this context, only form-related aesthetic aspects are discussed. The starting point is the didactic necessity of imparting to students the process of designing on spatial models. Reduced to form determination, the question examined is for which aspects of design theory the potentials of real and virtual models, as well as of the interaction of both types, can be exploited.