Creative sketches production in digital design: A user-centered evaluation of a 3D digital environment

Abstract

With their tedious interfaces that impose an encoding sternness, the existing computer assisted architectural design tools (CAAD) too often restrict users' creativity. Paper and pencil are then privileged in the first design stages. In response to this restriction, we have developed a sketch interface, based on an electronic pen and a LCD tablet, which allows the designer to develop ideas and manipulate drawings. This paper describes our observations of five professional architects working with these software and hardware devices. Our analyses are based on session's temporal execution, on graphic production types and on drawing area management. They conclude that the proposed digital solution is compatible with the designers' expectations and really support creative exploration. ©Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2008.