In this paper an empirical investigation on conceptual design processes via freehand sketches is presented. From 90 design experiments that were carried out, results regarding the sketching behaviour are derived by an overall analysis. Additionally, a case study is presented, that shows a potential mechanism of creativity when sketches are used in engineering design. Unfortunately, this mechanism could not be verified statistically due to the rareness of occurrence within the case study. Still, the case study is supposed to provide clues for generation of hypotheses in engineering design research.     «

In this paper an empirical investigation on conceptual design processes via freehand sketches is presented. From 90 design experiments that were carried out, results regarding the sketching behaviour are derived by an overall analysis. Additionally, a case study is presented, that shows a potential mechanism of creativity when sketches are used in engineering design. Unfortunately, this mechanism could not be verified statistically due to the rareness of occurrence within the case study. Still,...     »