The Influence of Cognitive Style, Design Setting and Cultural Background on Sketch-Based Ideation by Novice Interaction Designers

Abstract Protocol studies to compare interaction designers’ sketch-based ideation were conducted in two countries. Participants’ cognitive style was assessed and the two cohorts differed significantly. UK participants (UKP) used graphical sketching more than Botswana participants (BP), and UKPs used interaction-focused techniques while BPs used context-focused techniques. Eleven sketch function patterns were identified. Some were observed in both UKPs and BPs while others were observed in only one cohort. The findings have implications for ideation techniques, professional development and support tools. They highlight a complex relationship between cultural background, cognitive style and design setting, and their combined influence on sketch-based ideation.

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