Cognitive artefacts and conceptual design

Conceptual design is a creative process which relies heavily on the designer´s intelligence, ingenuity and knowledge of the application domain. Current techniques which support the process (e.g. geometrical modelling for mechanical engineering) are more suited for detail design and tend to constrain the engineer´s natural creativity. Indeed, free hand sketching, as a means of expressing ideas quickly and easily, is still a preferred option but lacks information content. It is believed that potentially the cognitive artefact may overcome some of the limitations of sketching and provide more effective, objective, and intelligent support for engineers during conceptual design. The concept of cognitive artefact is described in the context of a prototype system that supports the conceptual design of mechanical fasteners. The approach taken to the prototype is to reproduce the qualities of free hand sketching, but include techniques which enrich the information content of the representations. The aim is to provide representations that on the one hand are responsive and meaningful, and on the other contain sufficient information to allow engineers to make formal assessment on the value of a proposed design