Using eye-tracking to study designers' cognitive behaviour when designing with CAAD

Abstract

This paper presents a case study exploring the eye-movement of two architecture master students while using a CAAD tool. The students completed an architectural design task using CAAD software in a 60 minute design session. The “Think aloud” method was used to collect cognitive data while their eye movements were captured using eye-tracking equipment. The session was segmented and coded for visual location. Results of this exploratory study indicate differences when using a CAAD tool when designing compared to visual scanning of existing objects. These results, if generalizable, imply that CAAD software development should focus on space making as well as on object boundaries.