ParaXplore Interfaces: Parametric Interfaces for Parallel Exploration in Design

Abstract

Computer Aided Design (CAD) tools provide little direct support for working with multiple parallel designs. This lack of version-control has lead designers to adopt ad-hoc techniques, such as opening two files side-by-side; layering designs for comparison; copy-pasting partial solutions to merge; saving versions manually, etc. These techniques for one are rudimentary, and have limited benefits for designers when it comes to common operations on multiple designs. On one hand, design literature motivates designers to explore multiple designs in parallel for better comparison and decision-making; on the other hand, existing computational support limits such activities. Furthermore, the implications for a system capable of working with multiple parallel designs have yet to be explored. In this dissertation, I aim to identify, propose and develop parallel exploration interfaces to answer how designers can work with multiple design variations in parallel? A series of experimental studies are proposed with cyclic prototype-evaluate-feedback phases. Each phase informs the prototype development for the next phase, along with a new set of research questions.