Designers’ reflections on two methods of using design media for learning design processes

In this paper we question whether switching behavior impacts on the manner in which CAD modelling and sketching are used in the design process. In order to answer this question, we conducted think-aloud experiments with eight designers. They were asked to design specific artefacts using two different approaches: firstly, where they were not allowed to switch between media and secondly, where they were allowed to switch. The resulting design activities in these two conditions were compared using a protocol analysis. The results show that there is no significant difference between sketching and CAD modelling based on two assessments: design issue distributions and design process distributions. In addition, eight participants were subsequently interviewed about their design reflections after finishing design tasks. Six out of eight participants strongly believed that switching behavior is essential to make use of the advantages from both media, and to use each one to counter the weaknesses of the other.