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Brisco, Ross; Grierson, Hilary; Lynn, Andrew

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In the current climate towards greater online teaching and learning, there is a gap in the number of fully online design tools which can be used to conduct design activities. At DMEM, University of Strathclyde, we have developed an online 6-3-5 distributed ideation tool to support the teaching of the 6-3-5 design method and allow students to conduct the design activity in a distributed way. The software is accessed through a web browser and guides the user in conducting the 6-3-5 method. Not only does it facilitate the process but guides the user in learning about how to conduct the method which is particularly useful in a distributed environment with inexperienced students. Students can conduct the activity live supported by text or video chat, or in an asynchronous way prompted for activity through email notification. This paper will discuss the design of the online 6-3-5 software and key requirements for its development including its suitability for both use in a design team but also as an educational tool. The outcomes of the paper will be lessons learnt in the development of an online design tool, evaluation of the developed tool and future identification of tools which could be digitised in the future.

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Distributed Design, design tools, design methods, design activity