The impact of spatial abilities on the comprehension of design drawings

Abstract

The paper reports the relationship between the visualisation capabilities of novice engineering designers, and their ability to read and analyse orthographic projections of machinery. Using a reduced version of a standard test for visualisation skill, and four specially-developed drawing tests within a second year course in engineering design, it was found that (a) students with strong visual capability performed better in the main examination, (b) those with strong visual skills were more adept at identifying kinematic flaws in a conceptual design, and (c) the better design students were also better at comprehending engineering drawings. Following the analysis of questionnaires, it was foun..