Login
       
  • Technology as Handmaiden to Generative Drawing

Barron, Neil, 2001, Thesis, Technology as Handmaiden to Generative Drawing PhD thesis, Royal College of Art.

Abstract or Description:

This thesis describes a reflective practice research project which explores the potential for taking the technology to the drawing surface in generative drawing for industrial design practice. The research arose from an apparent contradiction between my own experience of the usefulness of ‘paper and pencil’ generative drawing in professional practice and the experience of others in the field. They appeared to be, publicly at least, questioning or dismissing the relevance of ‘traditional’ methods of design idea generation and manipulation in favour of a professional practice that was completely computer based. I developed an approach to this apparent contradiction which involved consciously bringing the two contradictory extremes together and turning the problem upside down to consider the potential for taking technology to the generative drawing site; the physical work space. This approach was made with a view to qualitatively assessing its resultant benefits and hindrances in relation to the goal driven activity of generative drawing. Pursuing this approach, reflective practice was used to generate a number of inter-related practical areas (see Schön, 1983). Regular reframing of the research occurred stimulated by my own on-going research action, my own design practice, a search for new literature, the evaluation of new equipment or practices and the contributions of other practitioners. This constant reflection and reframing led to the generation and exploration of previously unexpected areas of practical interest in a broadly systematic way, not dissimilar to a design process. There were four main inter-related phases of practical work generated and these are described in a narrative structure. The research methodology is also explained and discussed as are the connections between adjacent phases of practical work.

Qualification Name: PhD
School or Centre: Other
Date Deposited: 22 Aug 2013 16:39
Last Modified: 23 May 2025 11:07
URI: https://researchonline.rca.ac.uk/id/eprint/1358
Edit Item (login required) Edit Item (login required)