Digital Modeling in Design Foundation Coursework: An Exploratory Study of the Effectiveness of Conceptual Design Software

This paper presents the results of a study that was conducted to identify and document student perceptions of the effectiveness of computer modeling software introduced in a design foundations course that had previously utilized only conventional manually-produced representation techniques. Rather than attempt to utilize a production-oriented CAD program, this exploratory study investigated the use of alternative software applications developed by vendors specifically to function as conceptual design tools. The study was structured to identify areas of future investigation related to student perceptions of the effectiveness of the software in facilitating design exploration, the effectiveness and ease of use of various application features, and the extent to which prior CAD coursework was related to the perceived effectiveness of the software on design outcomes.