Toward Electronic Napkins and Beermats: Computer Support for Visual Ideation Skills

Designers still use traditional tools, such as pen and paper sketching, for the early, conceptual phases of idea generation and exploration of solutions. This paper compares benefits of the archetypal traditional tool, a napkin or beermat, to the way current CAD tools force their users to work. Some trends in research and technology point toward better support for the creative activities of skilled professionals. Finally some projects integrating those findings into design tools are