Using digital workbooks to collect design process data

Obtaining rich data for research data collection can often be quite tedious. An innovative approach to circumvent this task is to modify an already existing interactive learning tool designed for classroom use. The following paper discusses the modification of a digital workbook into a streamlined data collection tool. The customizable curricular tool presents a multimedia option capable of providing rich research data to extend what could previously be collected using a static research protocol. The tool was subsequently developed and used to collect data on student engineering design processes. The research team was able to use this tool to collect data from students around the country including images of built prototypes.