Learning Design with Digital Sketching

Abstract

This paper examines the effectiveness of animated versus non-animated drawings as teaching tools. Data was collected by comparing how architectural design students given an animation versus those given a static, six-panel storyboard are able to learn processes in a space-planning design problem. All subjects were given an example of an expert design drawing, asked to put the design steps in order, and then to follow those steps in performing a similar design problem. Their responses were recorded with a digital penon- paper system that automatically generates vector animations. The animations can then be immediately viewed on a computer for stroke-by-stroke review. Finally, each student’s animation was analysed in terms of design process steps and compared with the expert example.

While those given animations performed only marginally better on the survey of steps, they were better able to imitate the order of expert steps. Furthermore, reviewing the examples by computer revealed common errors that students could modify for more successful design strategies. The following discussion examines methods for researching design process with the digital pen, along with shortcomings, advantages and directions for further study.