A multi-method case study of textile craft-design applications – usability and effects on the design process. Issue 2 (1st October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sini, Riikonen; Pirita, Seitamaa-Hakkarainen
• Is Part Of: Art, design & communication in higher education. Volume 17:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 217
• Page End: 236
• Publication Date: 2018-10-01
• Subjects: Art -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Periodicals; Design -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Periodicals; Creative teaching -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 707.11
• DOI: 10.1386/adch.17.2.217_1
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1474-273X

Abstract

This article presents a multi-method case study of five mobile device and desktop computer applications intended specifically for craft-design. The main aim of the study was to investigate the effects of application usage on the craft-design process and to analyse the usability of the applications from three perspectives: user experience, traditional usability and functionality. Eight master's level craft teacher students evaluated the applications and used those to conduct a design task on a Virtual Design Studio course at the University of Helsinki. To enable an authentic working environment and style for the participants and to gather research data remotely, a multi-method approach was designed that included data from questionnaires, written tasks and recordings of screen events. Analysis of the effects of application usage on the craft-design process revealed three factors that promote changes: the usability of an application, new possibilities and limitations compared to traditional design methods and the technical expertise of the designer – usability being the most significant factor behind the changes observed.