Eye-catching CAD

Researchers from two UK universities are developing technology that will track engineers’ eyes as they look at specific parts of their computer aided design (CAD) sketches and will automatically suggest developments of that aspect.

Alison McKay, a professor of design systems from the University of Leeds’ School of Mechanical Engineering, and Steve Garner, a professor from the Open University, have been awarded £195,000 from the Leverhulme Trust to examine this technology.

‘Our starting point was thinking about what type of computer systems designers will be using in 15 or 20 years’ time,’ said McKay.

‘We believe that in the future, CAD systems will work alongside designers to stimulate and enhance their creativity by offering suggestions and highlighting alternative options right from the earliest point in the design process when they’re sketching out their ideas.’