Classification and Use of Design Tools: The Roles of Tools in the Architectural Design Process

Abstract

The growing complexity and fragmentation of the architectural design process, largely due to stricter regulations, new technologies and increasing specialization, has led to an important rise in the number of design support tools available to designers today. These tools, ranging from simple checklists to complex simulation software, are intended to facilitate different aspects of the design process. While there are numerous studies available that provide a possible classification, most studies focus on specific design aspects, for instance sustainability or user-centered design; there is no general outline of tools available. However, researchers and design tool developers need this general information about the way designers incorporate tools into their design process, and about the kind of support designers need in the different stages of the design process, in order to improve available tools or to develop new tools. In this paper a classification is composed, based on a representative number of design tools, derived from literature. The proposed classification defines six types of design tools according to the role they play in the design process: knowledge – based tools, communication tools, modeling tools, presentation tools, structuring tools and evaluation & analysis tools. A tool can belong to one or more categories. These categories provide the framework for a survey. Aim of the survey is to gain insight into the use of these types of tools by Flemish designers in architectural practices, as well as the phase in the design process in which they are used or most needed. The collected data show the kind of support designers need in the different stages of the design process. This may help researchers and tool developers to develop design support tools accordingly, to maximize their usability.