Technology for design education: a case study

ABSTRACT

We present results of the first longitudinal study of physical and digital technology hybrids for design education. Through deployment in an introductory HCI class, we have instrumented and analyzed traditional design practices with newer technological components. In particular, we show that hybrid Idea Logs that maintain the flexibility of paper notebooks can successfully implement the fluidity needed between teammates in design projects, and between the digital and physical world. Our preliminary analysis of questionnaires, performance data, and student design notebooks support our hypothesis that this hybrid of technologies may effectively address the needs of this domain, and suggest that basic digital affordances such as export and sharing of design content can improve the educational experience.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.1 Multimedia Information Systems
          Subjects: Artificial, augmented, and virtual realities

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)
          Subjects: Prototyping; Interaction styles (e.g., commands, menus, forms, direct manipulation); Input devices and strategies (e.g., mouse, touchscreen)

  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
      K.3.1 Computer Uses in Education

Keywords:
design education, idea log, technology probe