An inquiry into computers in design: attitudes before–attitudes after

Hanna, Raid; Barber, Tony

doi:10.1016/s0142-694x(00)00029-6

Cited by 56 publications

(37 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…Some experiments even imply that ambiguity reduces effective reinterpretation [32]. Even the related belief that sketching is the ideal design medium is questionable [33], with a recent experiment finding that designers' ability to generate certain types of divergent ideas is reduced while sketching, as compared with imagining alone [34].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Divergent Thinking in the Construction of Architectural Models

Talbott

2004

International Journal of Architectural Computing

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The article examines one little understood but ubiquitous form of divergent thinking achieved intermittently during the act of drawing or modeling. It is argued that this phenomenon, here called intermittent divergence, is rooted in a special kind of interaction between perception and imagination, and that this interaction has specific experiential requirements.Three requirements are defined.The resulting new theory then provides a framework for the critical analysis of conventional digital modeling and parametric modeling. Conventional modeling methods are shown to satisfy the requirements for intermittent divergence, while parametric modeling methods are shown to undermine them.The article concludes that parametric systems, as currently developed, could inhibit rather than augment this important route to creativity. Additionally, the article questions prevailing beliefs about the computer support of creativity, including the premise that sketching is an ideal creative medium and the premise that ambiguity in graphical depictions is key to the support of creativity.The theory offers an alternative view on these issues.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Divergent Thinking in the Construction of Architectural Models

Talbott

2004

International Journal of Architectural Computing

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“…[31] Analysis of measurements revealed a significant difference in attitudes toward design variables when subjects were asked to use CAD in design and the use of CAD was found to produce a positive influence on the creative process as CAD seems to facilitate the 3D visualisation and testing of design concepts, increase ideation fluency and help the conception of complex geometry.…”

Section: Creativity Its Measurement and Computer Toolsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Tools as Design Instruments: Computers and Cognition?

Hanna

2013

Communications in Computer and Information Science

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This inquiry researches the impact of digital tools on the design process and empirically tests the association between computer aided design tools and each of cognition and creativity in architectural practice. The paper analyses the 'design-tool' relationship and reviews research in the field of computers as an instrument for creativity, examines their deductions and conducts a case study. Statistical analysis of the case study suggests that three measures of creativity correlated significantly with the length of time a subject spends using the computer in design: rho=0.487, P<0.05 for elaboration of design ideas; rho=0.605, P<0.05, for volume of ideas; rho=0.687, P<0.05, for ideation variety. Also, the length of designer-computer interaction seems to scaffold various forms of design reasoning and help cognition: rho=0.591, P<0.05. The study found little evidence to support the notion that computers prevent other forms of knowing.

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“…It is through this interaction that design cognition-receiving, manipulating and processing information, is bound to experience a change in the way it deals with design problems. This change can take many forms, for instance in designer's creativity domains-ideation fluency and variety [26], in his new attitude toward the design process 'before' and 'after' using the computer [27], in his ability to test design ideas in an objective sense [14]. Above all there would be a change in the designers 'visuality' and the way he sees and perceives images and the way the physical world is experienced through 'simulated' reality.…”

Section: The Symbolic World Of Computers: Architecture With Machinesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Methods for investigating architecture: from the physical to the digital

Porter¹,

Hanna²

2006

WIT Transactions on the Built Environment, Vol 90

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This paper examines the relationship between traditional and modern methods of architectural investigation, namely: the 'sketch', the 'physical model' and the 'computer'. It aims to test two propositions put forward by two schools of thought regarding the architectural 'method'. The first suggests that the introduction of the computer as a working method would lead to the demise of the more traditional methods of sketching and model making. The second acknowledges the potential of technology but maintains that the computer as a device for abstraction is less effective than traditional systems of representation. A framework, based on the critical review of literature, was established and used as an intellectual vehicle for testing both propositions. It partly revolved around linking Popper's three worlds of knowledge, the subjective, the physical and the objective to the three variables: the sketch, the physical model and the computer. The study concludes that although computers are superior in dealing with complexity, design fixation, and performance analysis of design alternatives, this power does not constitute a sufficient condition, as a cause, for the demise of traditional working methods, as an effect to follow. On the other hand, the biggest strength of traditional methods of sketching and model making is not in the link between drawing and 'visual thinking', as purported by many authors, but it is the material sense of the 'physical' model that gives rise to other senses such as 'touch' and 'physicality'. The missing notion of physicality from both 3D objects and materials generated by the computer is undoubtedly its downfall.

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An inquiry into computers in design: attitudes before–attitudes after

Cited by 56 publications

References 13 publications

Divergent Thinking in the Construction of Architectural Models

Divergent Thinking in the Construction of Architectural Models

Tools as Design Instruments: Computers and Cognition?

Methods for investigating architecture: from the physical to the digital

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