Design Problem Solving with Conceptual Diagrams

Abstract

This study examines the role of “conceptual diagrams” in architectural design, specifically how they facilitate conceptual elaboration in problem-solving processes. We single out a class of conceptual diagrams that we claim to be “doublereferential,” in that their structure corresponds to the generic structure of both the design conceptualization and solution. As such modifications of diagrams produce changes in the conceptualizations and their corresponding design schemes.

Keywords: Conceptual Diagrams, Diagrammatic Reasoning, Design Cognition