Title: A sketching alphabet for paper-based collaborative design

Authors: Philip J. Farrugia, Jonathan C. Borg, Xiu T. Yan, Kenneth P. Camilleri, Graham Green

Addresses: Concurrent Engineering Research Unit, Department of Manufacturing Engineering, University of Malta, Tal-Qroqq, Msida MSD06, Malta. ' Department of Manufacturing Engineering, University of Malta, Tal-Qroqq, Msid MSD06, Malta. ' Department of Design, Manufacture and Engineering Management, James Weir Building, University of Strathclyde, 75 Montrose Street, Glasgow G1 1XJ, Scotland, UK. ' Department of Electronics Systems Engineering, University of Malta, Tal-Qroqq, Msida MSD06, Malta. ' Design Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, James Watt (South) Building, University of Glasgow, University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland, UK

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.

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.

DOI: 10.1504/JDR.2007.015572

Journal of Design Research, 2007 Vol.6 No.1/2, pp.260 - 288

Published online: 29 Oct 2007 *

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