Comparison of shape ideation methods

Shape ideation methods were inventored by observing subjects during a design contest. Data was generated in the form of photographs of sketches and mock-ups, interviews and diaries. The subjects had to redesign a housing of a computer-controlled phone call logger. All subjects used idea sketches, some used foam, clay, or CAD. From the CAD users, some made a physical model by milling or by stereo lithography. An evaluation panel selected the most attractive and the least attractive concepts. It appeared that the shape quality of the concepts did not so much depend on a particular shape ideation method that was used, but rather on the fact whether both physical and digital tools were used or not