Calico: a prototype sketching tool for modeling in early design

Design is an inherently creative process, particularly so during the early stages of design when a solution is just beginning to form. At this time, the more formal models and modeling languages to which we are so accustomed in software engineering serve a limited if non-existent role. But this does not mean that modeling is not relevant during early design; on the contrary, it is critical. It is just that a different form of modeling and overall design process takes place. In this paper, we present early results from our foray into exploring how designers can be supported in the early, highly creative stages of software design. We particularly build upon the existing body of work in creativity and general design, and apply key lessons found there to the construction of Calico, a prototype sketching tool for modeling in early design.