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Toward Electronic Napkins and Beermats: Computer Support for Visual Ideation Skills

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Visual Representations and Interpretations

Abstract

Designers still use traditional tools, such as pen and paper sketching, for the early, conceptual phases of idea generation and exploration of solutions. This paper compares benefits of the archetypal traditional tool, a napkin or beermat, to the way current CAD tools force their users to work. Some trends in research and technology point toward better support for the creative activities of skilled professionals. Finally some projects integrating those findings into design tools are discussed.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Delft University of Technology, Jaffalaan 9, NL-2628 BX, Delft, The Netherlands

    Pieter Jan Stappers & James M. Hennessey

Authors
  1. Pieter Jan Stappers
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  2. James M. Hennessey
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Computer Science, Chadwick Building, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK

    Ray Paton B.Ed, PhD, CBiol, MIBiol

  2. Computer Science, Foresight Centre, 3 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, L69 3GL, UK

    Irene Neilson MA, PhD, MSc

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© 1999 Springer-Verlag London

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Stappers, P.J., Hennessey, J.M. (1999). Toward Electronic Napkins and Beermats: Computer Support for Visual Ideation Skills. In: Paton, R., Neilson, I. (eds) Visual Representations and Interpretations. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-0563-3_24

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-0563-3_24

  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-85233-082-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-0563-3

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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