Conference proceeding
Investigating How Engineers Use Computer-Aided Design Versus Pen-and-Paper for Conceptual Design – A Methodology Review and Mixed-Method Pilot Study
Volume 4: 22nd International Conference on Design Education (DEC); 30th Design for Manufacturing and the Life Cycle Conference (DFMLC); 37th International Conference on Design Theory and Methodology (DTM)
17 Aug 2025
Abstract
Abstract
As digital-assisted technology becomes more ubiquitous, engineering designers and educators worry that high reliance on digital tools will reduce engineers’ innate creative abilities or hinder the creative design processes. In the past two decades, research has investigated human-computer interaction and developed theories and design methods to improve computer-aided engineering design. However, whether and how computer-aided design tools affect the creative conceptual design process remains unclear. In this methodology paper, we identify key challenges in comparing digital and traditional tools and present an experimental design to address them. We integrated validated psychological assessments, such as the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT), with advanced neurophysiological techniques, including electroencephalography (EEG) and eye-tracking, to provide a multi-modal understanding of the design process. We also adapted the IKEA Hacking Task for both CAD and pen-and-paper conditions, to assess design creativity with ecological validity. By sharing our methodology, we aim to provide a blueprint for future studies investigating human-tool interactions in engineering design. Our approach not only addresses key limitations in current literature but also offers practical insights for designing experiments that balance rigor with real-world applicability. This work contributes to the mechanical engineering design community by advancing the methodological foundations for studying creativity and cognitive processes in engineering design.
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Details
- Title
- Investigating How Engineers Use Computer-Aided Design Versus Pen-and-Paper for Conceptual Design – A Methodology Review and Mixed-Method Pilot Study
- Creators
- Peiying Jian - University of TorontoJohn S. Gero - University of North Carolina at CharlotteGenevieve Beirne - University of TorontoAlison Olechowski - University of Toronto
- Publication Details
- Volume 4: 22nd International Conference on Design Education (DEC); 30th Design for Manufacturing and the Life Cycle Conference (DFMLC); 37th International Conference on Design Theory and Methodology (DTM)
- Conference
- ASME 2025 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, Anaheim, California, USA, Aug. 17 - 20, 2025
- Publisher
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers
- Resource Type
- Conference proceeding
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology)
- Other Identifier
- 991022157484904721