An Evaluation of Performance and Transfer of Perspective Drawing Techniques Acquired Utilizing Computer-Aided Design Versus Paper and Pencil

Abstract

This research investigates how design students learn and apply Jack Swing's method of perspective drawing using either a Computer Aided Design (CAD) system or traditional paper and pencil as their design tools. Using a two group, multiple comparison design the following research questions were answered: Is the accuracy or efficiency of the perspective drawing process improved over time? Is there a difference between the performance by both groups at each time of testing? Do the students, who have been trained using CAD, perform better at the task of creating a perspective drawing using the traditional pen and paper than those students who have not been trained on CAD? Results indicated that no difference existed within both groups or between the two groups in their accuracy or efficiency scores. However, the CAD group performed better using traditional design tools in the creation of perspective drawings than the Paper and Pencil group. The CAD group had learned an efficient set of procedures to create perspective drawings on the CAD system, and these were successfully applied to manual drawing.

A recommendation for future study would be to video tape students designing using both traditional and computer aided design tools. An analysis of the tapes would help determine what effect modern technology has on the design process.