A sketching alphabet for paper-based collaborative design

Farrugia, P.J., Borg, J.C., Yan, X.T., Camilleri, K.P. and Green, G. (2007) A sketching alphabet for paper-based collaborative design. Journal of Design Research, 6(1/2), pp. 260-288. (doi: 10.1504/JDR.2007.015572)

Abstract

Despite the importance of the early design phase, designers still lack computer support in rapidly modelling their form concepts in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) systems due to the rigid User-Interface. Owing to its efficacy in instantly capturing ideas, traditional pen-and-paper sketching is still very popular amongst designers to record their concepts not only inside but also outside their office. This paper reports the ongoing research aimed at developing a portable, sketch-based tool allowing designers to obtain and share 3D CAD models on cameraphones directly from paper sketches. More specifically, the focus is on a prescribed sketching alphabet required to create a seamless link between sketching and CAD. Results of semi-structured interviews carried out with various design practitioners contribute important insights into the alphabet suitability. Further, the results and an implemented tool indicate that a sketching language based on this alphabet will be beneficial for designers, especially in a collaborative design environment.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: Early form design, sketch based modelling, 3D modelling, sketching languages, design process, early design stages, design research, collaborative design, mobile phones, cell phones, camera phones, paper sketches, 3D CAD, sketching alphabet.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Green, Dr Graham
• Authors: Farrugia, P.J., Borg, J.C., Yan, X.T., Camilleri, K.P., and Green, G.
• Subjects: Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA76 Computer software; T Technology > T Technology (General); T Technology > TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy; University Centres > Glasgow Materials Research Initiative
• Journal Name: Journal of Design Research
• ISSN: 1748-3050