Cognitive Designers Activity Study, Formalization, Modelling, and Computation

Carole Bouchard (1) , Jieun Kim (1) , Jean-François Omhover (1) , Améziane Aoussat (1)

1 LCPI - Laboratoire Conception de Produits et Innovation

This study aims to explore how designers mentally categorise design information during the early sketching performed in the generative phase. An action research approach is particularly appropriate for identifying the various sorts of design information and the cognitive operations involved in this phase. Thus, we conducted a protocol study with eight product designers based on a descriptive model derived from cognitive psychological memory theories. Subsequent protocol analysis yielded a cognitive model depicting the mental categorisation of design information processing performed by designers. This cognitive model included a structure for design information (high, middle, and low levels) and linked cognitive operations (association and transformation). Finally, this paper concludes by discussing directions for future research on the development of new computational tools for designers.

Mots clés: Mental categorisation; Design information; Cognitive operation; Generative phase

Domaines: Ordinateur et société [cs.CY]; Mécanique [physics.med-ph]; Génie mécanique [physics.class-ph]; Génie mécanique [physics.class-ph]

Carole Bouchard, Jieun Kim, Jean-François Omhover, Améziane Aoussat. Cognitive Designers Activity Study, Formalization, Modelling, and Computation. CIRP Journal of Manufacturing Science and Technology, 2010, 3 (3), pp.218-226. ⟨hal-00915050⟩