Abstract:

Drawing has traditionally been an integral component of the design process and the design sketch has historically played a key role in the process for a wide range of disciplines. Past research has concluded that the significance of the sketch can be attributed to several factors. Jonson (2002) proposed that the strength of the freehand sketch lies in its economy of means (low cost), immediacy (single tool interface), and ease of low-level correction and revision. Sketches and freehand vignettes created in conceptual design are intentionally ambiguous, a key characteristic that fosters cognitive processes needed for exploration. It has been additionally proposed that during the drawing process designers demonstrate a “seeing behavior” in which they will concentrate on the figural properties of a sketch.

The "rise" of tablet computing raises the question regarding the extent to which tablets can provide a platform that provides convenience and portability analogous to portability/convenience/immediacy of a traditional sketchbook. Multiple factors have been identified as influencing tablet adoption. Tomlin (2012) attributed the adoption of tablets is facilitated by a number of factors including the availability of tablet apps, cloud storage, and widespread internet access, stating that “the relative cheapness and ubiquity of mobile devices like the tablet have rapidly redefined when, where, and how students interact with information.” Other studies have identified portability, widespread availability and ease of access to tablet-based apps, and ease of use.

This paper documents the findings of a study structured to investigate the perceptions of the effectiveness of tablet based sketching and modeling applications among students and faculty in art, architecture, interior design, graphic design, and apparel design. Participants were provided a tablet with two pre-installed sketching/design apps and provided basic instructions for completing a series of tasks. Data was collected from participants via a survey that was administered upon completion of the tasks. The participants were then asked to complete a survey intended to document their perceptions and assessments. Likert-scale questions were utilized for quantitative statistical analysis. A series of open ended questions were used to gain additional insight into the quantitative data. Faculty participants were asked additional questions in order to document their perceptions of the roles of tablet-based apps in curriculum design and instructional content delivery.

The paper documents the summary of the survey data collection, followed by conclusions derived through data analysis and assessment. The report then provides a series of recommendations for faculty as well as students regarding use of tablet-based sketching apps in coursework and curriculum design.

Keywords:

Sketching Drawing Mobile technology Design.