Artesis Hogeschool Antwerpen

Type: HA onderzoeksproject
Ingangsdatum: 01/01/2008
Einddatum: 01/07/2008
Betrokkenen: Jan Corremans, Wim Maes

Abstract:
This research project presents a design experiment that was conducted to study the effectiveness of a design methodology to train basic skills in the study of form. The aim of this two-step-manipulation method is to provide students with a tool to create a number of varied form alternatives. The method is based on variations in surface orientation.
Earlier studies in the generation of form concentrate on different aspects of form, such as the visual appearance of products, semantic aspects, emotional aspects or the importance and the impact of aesthetic aspects of form. Only few research projects focus on methodological approaches in form generation, and fairly little is known about the effectiveness of applied teaching methods on the form giving process.
In the experiment, subjects (freshmen students) had to perform a design session before and after the design methodology was initiated. The results showed a positive outcome: after the initiation of the methodology, the ability of the students to generate more form alternatives has increased.
Parameters like the overall amount of solutions and the variation in surface orientation were measured.