Building a Model for Augmented Design Documentation1

Project-specific knowledge is the rationale behind the project data and specifications, including the design decisions that link elements of basic data, design data, project-specifications, domain knowledge, and general knowledge to explain the design. This information should be available in design documentation, but usually it is missing. The paper describes an approach for improving design documentation in which the computer acts as an apprentice to the designer to capture the rationale during the design process. The initial focus of the work is on HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) design. We are using videotape analysis of design sessions along with structured interviews to develop a model of design rationale in this domain.