HEI–LO Model: A Grounded Theory Approach to Assess Digital Drawing Tools

Abstract

This paper compares the efficacy of four digital drawing tools—mouse, iPad, Wacom Cintiq, and Bamboo1—when measured by user perception of technical and esthetic quality outcomes. The tools were assessed through the experiences of 20 senior–level undergraduate students majoring in interior design. The results indicate the mouse was preferred overall, contradicting previous studies showing students’ preference for digital drawing tablets. However, as we show, drawing is an affordance–based interaction that is influenced by participants’ prior experience with both hand and digital drawing tools. We therefore propose a grounded–theory model underscoring the importance of hand–eye–interface (HEI) and layout and orientation (LO) in supporting successful introduction of any new drawing tool. Further implications of the HEI–LO model suggest facilitating learning with multiple opportunities to use a wide range of tools to embed experiences in long–term memory, strengthen learned conventions, and promote positive affordances for both hand and digital media.