Sharing Tacit Design Knowledge in a Distributed Design Environment

Abstract

This paper reports a case study that was conducted to observe the exchange of tacit design knowledge in a distributed design environment. Prototype software was developed and tested in a undergraduate design studio in which design students sought advice from experts in remote locations. It provides tools for showing images, such as drawings, renderings, and for engaging in a written dialogue (chat session). Data were collected and analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods to enhance the validity of findings--through content analysis, log files, simple statistics, and questionnaires.