BRIDGING TRADITION AND THE NEW IN DESIGN SKETCHING THROUGH DIGITAL FREE-HAND DRAWING AND ITS IMPACT ON STUDENT LEARNING

Computer-aided design drafting softwares have become indispensible in industry as well as education since the early 1980s. Meanwhile, many designers and educators are advocating for the importance of traditional free-hand sketching (Bilda & Demirkan, 2003; Edwards, 2012). Either method has its advantages and drawbacks (Ibrahim & Rahimian, 2010). Applying computer augmented drafting (featuring 3D and augmented reality) to free-hand sketching, a new generation of applications leverages the advantages of both. However, few research exist on its impact on design education. This study examines how student learning in a graduate interior architecture program is impacted by the use of iPad, Apple Pencil and digital sketching applications Concept, Sketches and Trace. You will find description of the technology and pedagogy and data in the form of student work, survey, and interviews. We argue that this new technology bridges traditional computer software and free-hand drawing and provides valuable benefits for accommodating different learning styles and enhancing work creativity. Educators of architecture and other design related disciplines will learn about new ways of teaching design sketching and gain insights on students learning. Recommendations for future software features will be provided for developers.