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.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 260-288 |
Number of pages | 28 |
Journal | Journal of Design Research |
Volume | 6 |
Issue number | 1-2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2006 |
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
- design engineering