Design support tools in practice: The architects' perspective

Abstract

In recent years, a large number of design support tools (DSTs) has been developed to address the ever increasing complexity of the architectural design process. This study investigates the use of DSTs in Flemish architectural practice through a large-scale survey including 629 architects. The survey was based on a practice-oriented conceptual framework. Six categories of tools were defined, according to the roles they play in the design process, namely knowledge-based, presentation, evaluation/analysis, structuring, modeling, and communication. The mapping of these roles on the design process resulted in the final framework, which was then used as a base for the questionnaire. The survey reveals that there are distinctly different needs for each of the roles defined, as well as a specific frequency of use within each design phase. Furthermore, the results indicate possible influences of tools on the collaborative design process. Finally, the data collected show researchers and tool developers what kind of support designers need in the different stages of the design process, and may help them to develop DSTs accordingly, to maximize their usability and eventually contribute to decrease the gap between tools and practice.