How sketching can affect the idea generation process in design group meetings

This study consists of four experimental idea generation meetings, which explore whether functions of sketching in design activity are also valid for idea generation meetings. The relevant functions of sketching found in theory are: 1) supporting a re-interpretive cycle in the individual thinking process, 2) supporting re-interpretation of each other’s ideas in group activity, and 3) enhancing access to earlier ideas. To examine these three possible functions of sketching activity in a group, a model is introduced that considers sketching activities as interactions with the group’s external memory. In each meeting both a technique that includes sketching and a technique that includes writing as the primary mode of communication was applied. Differences in the participants’ linking behavior for these two techniques were compared. The results provide some support for the first and the third function of sketching. No support was found for the second function.