Untangling Parametric Schemata : Enhancing Collaboration through Modular Programming

Presently collaboration is difficult on complex parametric models, in part due to the illegibility of unstructured parametric schemata. This lack of legibility makes it hard for an outside author to understand a parametric model, reducing their ability to edit and share the model. This paper investigates whether the legibility of a parametric model is improved by restructuring the schema with modular programming principles. During a series of thinking-aloud interviews, where designers were asked to describe the function of unfamiliar schemata, the schema structured with modular programming principles were consistently better understood. Modular programming is found to be a beneficial, albeit small, change to parametric modelling that derives clear benefits in terms of legibility, particularly when the model is complex and used in a collaborative environment.