Abstract
Design representations play a pivotal role in the design process. In particular, design representations enable the formation of a shared understanding between team members, enhancing team performance. This paper explores the relationship between design representation modality (low-fidelity prototypes and sketches) and shared understanding among designers during communicative acts between design dyads. A mixed-methods study with 44 participants was conducted to investigate if representation modality affects shared understanding and identifies the factors that shape shared understanding during communication. Quantitative results suggest that low-fidelity prototypes and sketches did not significantly differ in terms of the shared understanding they facilitated within dyads. Qualitative analysis identified four factors at the representation- and actor-level that influence how shared understanding is built between individuals during design communication. This research extends our understanding of the utility of design representations given the needs of communicative contexts; specifically, this work demonstrates that designers must understand the perspectives of listeners during communication to create representations that accurately represent the information that a listener seeks to gain.
Issue Section:
Design Theory and Methodology
References
1.
Dong
, A.
, 2005
, “The Latent Semantic Approach to Studying Design Team Communication
,” Des. Stud.
, 26
(5
), pp. 445
–461
. 2.
Fu
, K.
, Cagan
, J.
, and Kotovsky
, K.
, 2010
, “Design Team Convergence: The Influence of Example Solution Quality
,” ASME J. Mech. Des.
, 132
(11
), p. 111005
. 3.
Deininger
, M.
, Daly
, S. R.
, Sienko
, K. H.
, and Lee
, J. C.
, 2017
, “Novice Designers’ Use of Prototypes in Engineering Design
,” Des. Stud.
, 51
(6
), pp. 25
–65
. 4.
Nelson
, J.
, Mahan
, T.
, McComb
, C.
, and Menold
, J.
, 2020
, “The Prototyping Behaviors of Startups: Exploring the Relationship Between Prototyping Behaviors and Startup Strategies
,” ASME J. Mech. Des.
, 142
(3
), p. 031107
. 5.
Aubé
, C.
, Rousseau
, V.
, and Tremblay
, S.
, 2015
, “Perceived Shared Understanding in Teams: The Motivational Effect of Being ‘on the Same Page
,” Br. J. Psychol.
, 106
(3
), pp. 468
–486
. 6.
Das
, M.
, and Yang
, M. C.
, 2022
, “Assessing Early Stage Design Sketches and Reflections on Prototyping
,” ASME J. Mech. Des.
, 144
(4
), p. 041403
. 7.
Lauff
, C. A.
, Kotys-Schwartz
, D.
, and Rentschler
, M. E.
, 2018
, “What Is a Prototype? What Are the Roles of Prototypes in Companies?
” ASME J. Mech. Des.
, 140
(6
), p. 061102
. 8.
Menold
, J.
, Jablokow
, K.
, and Simpson
, T.
, 2019
, “The Prototype for X Framework: Assessing Impact on Self-Reported Prototyping Behavior of Student Designers
,” ASME J. Mech. Des.
, 141
(4
), p. 042001
. 9.
Nelson
, J.
, and Menold
, J.
, 2021
, “Between Worlds: Exploring the Links Between the Tangible and Intangible Costs of Prototypes
,” ASME J. Mech. Des.
, 143
(3
), p. 031402. 10.
Bucciarelli
, L. L.
, 1988
, “An Ethnographic Perspective on Engineering Design
,” Des. Stud.
, 9
(3
), pp. 159
–168
. 11.
Lauff
, C. A.
, Knight
, D.
, Kotys-Schwartz
, D.
, and Rentschler
, M. E.
, 2020
, “The Role of Prototypes in Communication Between Stakeholders
,” Des. Stud.
, 66
(1
), pp. 1
–34
. 12.
Viswanathan
, V. K.
, and Linsey
, J. S.
, 2012
, “Physical Models and Design Thinking: A Study of Functionality, Novelty and Variety of Ideas
,” ASME J. Mech. Des.
, 134
(9
), p. 091004
. 13.
Nelson
, J.
, Berlin
, A.
, and Menold
, J.
, 2019
, “Archie: An Automated Data Collection Method for Physical Prototyping Efforts in Authentic Design Situations
,” Proceedings of the Volume 7: 31st International Conference on Design Theory and Methodology
, Anaheim, CA
, Aug. 18–21
, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, p. V007T06A044.14.
Nolte
, H.
, and McComb
, C.
, 2021
, “The Cognitive Experience of Engineering Design: An Examination of First-Year Student Stress Across Principal Activities of the Engineering Design Process
,” Des. Sci.
, 7
, p. e3
. 15.
Hill
, A.
, Song
, S.
, Dong
, A.
, and Agogino
, A.
, 2001
, “Identifying Shared Understanding in Design Using Document Analysis
,” Volume 4: 13th International Conference on Design Theory and Methodology
, Pittsburgh, PA
, Sept. 9–12
, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, pp. 309
–315
.16.
Kleinsmann
, M.
, Valkenburg
, R.
, and Buijs
, J.
, 2007
, “Why Do(n’t) Actors in Collaborative Design Understand Each Other? An Empirical Study Towards a Better Understanding of Collaborative Design
,” CoDesign
, 3
(1
), pp. 59
–73
. 17.
Badke-Schaub
, P.
, Neumann
, A.
, Lauche
, K.
, and Mohammed
, S.
, 2007
, “Mental Models in Design Teams: A Valid Approach to Performance in Design Collaboration?
” CoDesign
, 3
(1
), pp. 5
–20
. 18.
Kleinsmann
, M.
, Buijs
, J.
, and Valkenburg
, R.
, 2010
, “Understanding the Complexity of Knowledge Integration in Collaborative New Product Development Teams: A Case Study
,” J. Eng. Technol. Manag.
, 27
(1–2
), pp. 20
–32
. 19.
Boujut
, J. F.
, and Blanco
, E.
, 2003
, “Intermediary Objects as a Means to Foster Co-Operation in Engineering Design
,” Comput. Support. Coop. Work
, 12
(2
), pp. 205
–219
. 20.
Ferguson
, E. S.
, 1977
, “The Mind’s Eye: Nonverbal Thought in Technology
,” Science
, 197
(4306
), pp. 827
–836
.21.
Eckert
, C.
, and Stacey
, M.
, 2000
, “Sources of Inspiration: A Language of Design
,” Des. Stud.
, 21
(5
), pp. 525
–538
. 22.
Lim
, Y. K.
, Stolterman
, E.
, and Tenenberg
, J.
, 2008
, “The Anatomy of Prototypes: Prototypes as Filters, Prototypes as Manifestations of Design Ideas
,” ACM Trans. Comput. Hum. Interact.
, 15
(2
), pp. 1
–27
. 23.
Häggman
, A.
, Tsai
, G.
, Elsen
, C.
, Honda
, T.
, and Yang
, M. C.
, 2015
, “Connections Between the Design Tool, Design Attributes, and User Preferences in Early Stage Design
,” ASME J. Mech. Des.
, 137
(7
), p. 071408
. 24.
Deininger
, M.
, Daly
, S. R.
, Lee
, J. C.
, Seifert
, C. M.
, and Sienko
, K. H.
, 2019
, “Prototyping for Context: Exploring Stakeholder Feedback Based on Prototype Type, Stakeholder Group and Question Type
,” Res. Eng. Des.
, 30
(4
), pp. 453
–471
. 25.
Maier
, A. M.
, Eckert
, C. M.
, and Clarkson
, P. J.
, 2005
, “A Meta-Model for Communication in Engineering Design
,” CoDesign
, 1
(4
), pp. 243
–254
. 26.
Schmidt
, L. C.
, Hernandez
, N. V.
, and Ruocco
, A. L.
, 2012
, “Research on Encouraging Sketching in Engineering Design
,” Artif. Intell. Eng. Des. Anal. Manuf.
, 26
(3
), pp. 303
–315
. 27.
Rodgers
, P. A.
, Green
, G.
, and McGown
, A.
, 2000
, “Using Concept Sketches to Track Design Progress
,” Des. Stud.
, 21
(5
), pp. 451
–464
. 28.
Gerber
, E.
, and Carroll
, M.
, 2012
, “The Psychological Experience of Prototyping
,” Des. Stud.
, 33
(1
), pp. 64
–84
. 29.
Brandt
, E.
, 2007
, “How Tangible Mock-Ups Support Design Collaboration
,” Knowl. Technol. Policy
, 20
(3
), pp. 179
–192
. 30.
Isa
, S. S.
, and Liem
, A.
, 2021
, “Exploring the Role of Physical Prototypes During Co-Creation Activities at LEGO Company Using Case Study Validation
,” CoDesign
, 17
(3
), pp. 330
–354
. 31.
Kühl
, T.
, Scheiter
, K.
, Gerjets
, P.
, and Edelmann
, J.
, 2011
, “The Influence of Text Modality on Learning With Static and Dynamic Visualizations
,” Comput. Hum. Behav.
, 27
(1
), pp. 29
–35
. 32.
Yang
, M. C.
, and Cham
, J. G.
, 2007
, “An Analysis of Sketching Skill and its Role in Early Stage Engineering Design
,” ASME J. Mech. Des.
, 129
(5
), pp. 476
–482
. 33.
Preece
, D.
, Williams
, S. B.
, Lam
, R.
, and Weller
, R.
, 2013
, “‘Let’s Get Physical’: Advantages of a Physical Model Over 3D Computer Models and Textbooks in Learning Imaging Anatomy
,” Anat. Sci. Educ.
, 6
(4
), pp. 216
–224
. 34.
Wu
, H. K.
, and Shah
, P.
, 2004
, “Exploring Visuospatial Thinking in Chemistry Learning
,” Sci. Educ.
, 88
(3
), pp. 465
–492
. 35.
Bao
, Q.
, Faas
, D.
, and Yang
, M.
, 2018
, “Interplay of Sketching & Prototyping in Early Stage Product Design
,” Int. J. Des. Creativity Innov.
, 6
(3–4
), pp. 146
–168
. 36.
Patel
, A.
, Elena
, M. V.
, and Summers
, J.
, 2019
, “A Systematic Approach to Evaluating Design Prompts in Supporting Experimental Design Research
,” Proceedings of the Design Society: International Conference on Engineering Design
, Delft University, The Netherlands
, Aug. 5–8
.37.
Charles
, W. G.
, 2000
, “Contextual Correlates of Meaning
,” Appl. Psycholinguist
, 21
(4
), pp. 505
–524
. 38.
Nandy
, A.
, Dong
, A.
, and Goucher-Lambert
, K.
, 2022
, “Evaluating Quantitative Measures for Assessing Functional Similarity in Engineering Design
,” ASME J. Mech. Des.
, 144
(3
), p. 031401
. 39.
Stone
, R. B.
, and Wood
, K. L.
, 2000
, “Development of a Functional Basis for Design
,” ASME J. Mech. Des.
, 122
(4
), pp. 359
–370
. 40.
Soria Zurita
, N. F.
, Stone
, R. B.
, Demirel
, O.
, and Tumer
, I. Y.
, 2018
, “The Function-Human Error Design Method (FHEDM)
,” Proceedings of the Volume 7: 30th International Conference on Design Theory and Methodology, American Society of Mechanical Engineers
, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
, Aug. 26–29
, p. V007T06A058.41.
Soria Zurita
, N. F.
, Stone
, R. B.
, Onan Demirel
, H.
, and Tumer
, I. Y.
, 2020
, “Identification of Human-System Interaction Errors During Early Design Stages Using a Functional Basis Framework
,” ASCE ASME J. Risk Uncertain. Eng. Syst. B Mech. Eng.
, 6
(1
), p. 011005
. 42.
Soria Zurita
, N. F.
, Tensa
, M. A.
, Ferrero
, V.
, Stone
, R. B.
, DuPont
, B.
, Demirel
, H. O.
, and Tumer
, I. Y.
, 2022
, “Uncovering Human Errors Associated With System-User Interactions Using Functional Modeling
,” ASME J. Mech. Des.
, 144
(8
), p. 081401
. 43.
Ioffe
, S.
, 2010
, “Improved Consistent Sampling, Weighted Minhash and L1 Sketching
,” Proceedings—IEEE International Conference on Data Mining, ICDM
, Sydney, Australia
, Dec. 13–17
, pp. 246
–255
.44.
Ameri
, F.
, Summers
, J. D.
, Mocko
, G. M.
, and Porter
, M.
, 2008
, “Engineering Design Complexity: An Investigation of Methods and Measures
,” Res. Eng. Des.
, 19
(2
), pp. 161
–179
. 45.
Giddings
, L. S.
, and Grant
, B. M.
, 2006
, “Mixed Methods Research for the Novice Researcher
,” Contemp. Nurse
, 23
(1
), pp. 3
–11
. 46.
Charmaz
, K.
, 2006
, Constructing Grounded Theory. A Practical Guide Through Qualitative Analysis
, SAGE
, London
.47.
Timmermans
, S.
, and Tavory
, I.
, 2012
, “Theory Construction in Qualitative Research: From Grounded Theory to Abductive Analysis
,” Soc. Theory
, 30
(3
), pp. 167
–186
. 48.
Carlile
, P. R.
, 2002
, “A Pragmatic View of Knowledge and Boundaries: Boundary Objects in New Product Development
,” Org. Sci.
, 13
(4
), pp. 442
–455
. 49.
Broberg
, O.
, Andersen
, V.
, and Seim
, R.
, 2011
, “Participatory Ergonomics in Design Processes: The Role of Boundary Objects
,” Appl. Ergon.
, 42
(3
), pp. 464
–472
. 50.
Cash
, P.
, Dekoninck
, E. A.
, and Ahmed-Kristensen
, S.
, 2017
, “Supporting the Development of Shared Understanding in Distributed Design Teams
,” J. Eng. Des.
, 28
(3
), pp. 147
–170
. 51.
Darling
, A. L.
, and Dannels
, D. P.
, 2003
, “Practicing Engineers Talk About the Importance of Talk: A Report on the Role of Oral Communication in the Workplace
,” Commun. Educ.
, 52
(1
), pp. 1
–16
. 52.
Swales
, J. M.
, Barks
, D.
, Ostermann
, A. C.
, and Simpson
, R. C.
, 2001
, “Between Critique and Accommodation: Reflections on an EAP Course for Masters of Architecture Students
,” English Specif. Purp.
, 20
(1
), pp. 439
–458
. 53.
Lee
, J.
, 1997
, “Design Rationale Systems: Understanding the Issues
,” IEEE Expert Intell. Syst. Appl.
, 12
(3
), pp. 78
–85
. 54.
McKerlie
, D.
, and MacLean
, A.
, 1994
, “Reasoning With Design Rationale: Practical Experience With Design Space Analysis
,” Des. Stud.
, 15
(2
), pp. 214
–226
. 55.
Krishnakumar
, S.
, and Menold
, J.
, 2022
, “Investigating the Effect of Design Representation Modality on Design Communication
,” ASME International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference
, St. Louis, MO
, Aug. 21–25
.56.
Krishnakumar
, S.
, Berdanier
, C.
, McComb
, C.
, and Menold
, J.
, 2021
, “Lost in Translation: Examining the Complex Relationship Between Prototyping and Communication
,” ASME J. Mech. Des.
, 143
(9
), p. 091402
. Copyright © 2023 by ASME
You do not currently have access to this content.
