A method to chart the structure of designers' clay modelling processes

During ideation, designers often prefer physical modelling tools over virtual ones. If we want to make CAD more appropriate for shape ideation, it is important to know what happens during a successful ideation process. A method was developed to observe actual shape ideation processes. The method consists of video recording the process, coding the recordings, aggregating the coded data into patterns, sequences and parts, and finally analysing the aggregated data. A test case was performed to verify the method. The test case contained three clay modelling assignments. The activities of the clay modeller were identified and grouped into patterns. The majority of the patterns were performed repeatedly. Sequences of repeated patterns could be grouped into parts that produced a particular shape element and seem to reflect the shape intents of the test subject.