Embedding freehand sketching into a project-based design course

Elkin Taborda, Purdue University

Abstract

Engineering graduates in advancing economies are not only expected to have engineering knowledge, but also use it in creative and innovative ways. The importance of visual thinking has been critical for creativity and innovation in design. However, today's engineering students are proficient in detailed design tools but lacking in conceptual design and ideation, and engineering curricula needs to develop a more effective framework for teaching visual thinking. This work reports the efforts to embed principles of design thinking and visual thinking practices, like McKim's "seeing, imagining and drawing" cycle. A course on designing toys in mechanical engineering is used for this pilot study as a scaffold for introducing these principles in an engaging, creative, and fun environment. Freehand sketching is introduced as a tool for visual thinking during the design and communication of concepts. The set of techniques introduced in the class are supported by the findings of the literature review or advice from experts on sketching with background in the toy industry. These techniques are listed and explained in this work. The impact of these changes is measured through information gleaned from student feedback surveys and analysis of design notebooks. Results are analyzed to understand which objectives were achieved and which aspects should be improved for future implementations. The findings of this exploratory work are intended to propose ways to provide the students with a set of balanced techniques that help them in visual thinking, communication, and design.

Degree

M.S.M.E.

Advisors

Ramani, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Art education|Design|Mechanical engineering

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