Differences in engineers' brain activity when CAD modelling from isometric and orthographic projections

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Science
• Engineering Design
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Engineering design relies heavily on visual representations of technical systems.
• Understanding the cognitive processes involved in interpreting these visuals is crucial for advancing design.
• Current knowledge on the underlying neurocognition of design information utilization is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how different visual representations affect engineers' brain activity during computer-aided design (CAD) modeling.
• To explore the neurocognitive differences when interpreting technical drawings with orthographic versus isometric projections.
• To identify specific brain activity patterns associated with visuospatial thinking in engineering design.

Main Methods:

• Electroencephalography (EEG) was used to capture brain activity of 20 engineers.
• Engineers performed CAD modeling tasks based on technical drawings presented in two formats: orthographic and isometric projections.
• Task-related power (TRP) in theta, alpha, and beta frequency bands was analyzed.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in theta, alpha, and beta TRP were observed between the two projection conditions.
• Theta and alpha TRP showed significant variations across electrodes, cortical hemispheres, and areas.
• Theta TRP in the right hemisphere and frontal area was particularly indicative of neurocognitive responses to projection type.

Conclusions:

• Engineers' brain activity during CAD modeling is sensitive to the visual representation of technical systems.
• Orthographic and isometric projections elicit distinct neurocognitive responses, highlighting the importance of visual format in design.
• This study provides foundational insights into the neurocognition of visuospatial design tasks, paving the way for future research.