Showing papers by "Thomas Kvan published in 2005"

Reinterpreting virtual heritage

Abstract: This paper describes the context and proposal for an alternative approach to the common pattern of application of digital tools in the area of cultural heritage, also know as Virtual Heritage (VH). It investigates and addresses arising issues in a digital case study developed to implement a theoretical framework and investigate how and if existing technology can support it.

Examining Learning in Multiple Settings

Abstract: We use linkographs as a means to examine single and double loop learning within three designed settings. Two types of learning are dynamic processes related to design process. The linkograph is a technique to examine the inter-connective pattern of design moves. Extending our previous analysis of design communications, we investigate the extent to which Schon’s design process consisting of “framing-moving-reflecting” can be identified in communications. The linkographs identify learning loops, the results support prior findings that distal text based communication, although less extensive, is richer in design exchanges; here richer learning is also identified.

Enhancing Interaction in Architectural Presentations with Laser Pointers

Abstract: In a common meeting environment with projector-and-screen settings, the discussion may be dominated by a presenter who has the control of the content displayed. Although frequently used for architectural discussions, this digitally-engaged setting may not be optimal in its support of participation and discussion of design ideas. This paper presents a novel use of laser pointers to enhance the interaction in architectural presentations. A laser pointing system designed for a projector-and-screen environment was developed. To compare the performance of the laser pointer with other interaction devices, a controlled user study was carried out to test the efficiency of different devices in point-and-selection interactions. The usability of the system was also tested in a design critique. These two tests show that laser pointer is useful and able to encourage participation in group discussions. Details of the laser pointing system, the experiments and the results are reported in this paper.

Supporting Objects in Voxel-Based Design Environments

Abstract: Inspired from the idea of using voxels in the conceptual stages of architectural design, a synchronous collaborative design system, CoBlocks, was developed. This paper raises the problem that simply adopting the voxel representations would take voxels as graphic primitives and offer design operations at the voxel level. We introduced the object descriptor to group voxels to form higher-level semantic elements. A test of its efficacy is reported in this paper. The results indicate that the objects facilitated more discussions on high-level design issues and supported more effective design operations. This suggests designers can benefit from the use of objects in voxel-based design environments.

Examining the Distribution of Framing in Design Communication

Abstract: Previous studies have employed statistical methods to identify correlations and significant differences in design activities among different design environments by means of protocal analysis. In our recent papers using the same methods, we identified the occurrences of frames in different design collaboration settings and calculated the proportion of frames occurring. The results have confirmed that problem framing in design activities is not at a disadvantage in digital settings. In this paper, a graphical technique, linkograph, is used to investigate the distribution of different types of frames among different design settings based on the structure of framing activities.