Purdue University News

Purdue University researchers have developed skWiki and Juxtapoze, two cyberlearning platforms that enable non-artists to create illustrations rivaling the work of expert designers. The researchers note the platforms eliminate the need for drawing skills in developing new designs. "I think this is the beginning of a new field of computer-supported creativity where you are extending the human mind," says Purdue professor Karthik Ramani. The researchers say the platforms also represent an important step toward replacing or changing the use of paper to create designs. "Our research shows that when using the skWiki system, designers generate more ideas, which is an indicator of creativity, and are more collaborative in discussing their ideas," says Purdue professor Lorraine Kisselburgh. The platforms operate on servers and do not require users to install any software. The skWiki platform enables collaboration with multimedia, including text, sketches, photos, and "vector images" important for computer-aided design and other applications. To read further, please visit http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2014/Q2/sketching-on-tablets-promising-for-collaborative-design,-creativity.html