Integrating the user into research on engineering design systems

Abstract: "Engineering design research has historically been evaluated in terms of its computational performance. However, in many cases this research implies hypotheses about human behavior which are ignored. In this paper, we argue that the systems emerging from design research will benefit from investigating how people use them to accomplish work, and from the incorporation of principles of Participatory Design (Floyd, et al. 1989) at the earliest stages of the development process. Using a case study, we present the evolution of a CAD system that supports complex mathematical modeling. This design effort is examined according to principles outlined in another well-documented effort in Participatory Design.Finally, despite the common misconception that such considerations impede basic research, we argue that continuous user involvement can guide research by validating experimental hypotheses and pointing to areas for future inquiry."