Computers, words and pictures

The paper discusses the problem of CAD in architectural design from the point of view of aiding creativity. It argues that so far there is no real evidence that this has been achieved. An explanation for this is offered and the authors suggest that more work needs to be done on how we hold conversations about design. The authors also conclude that, at least until design conversations are better understood, we should concentrate less on pictures and more on words. A first attempt to develop a computer-aided design conversation system is described.