The Laing Design and Development Centre has been a user of computers for technical and managerial purposes for many years. This paper summerises the outcome of that experience in the evolution of computer use for design purposes. It starts by seeking to define all those aspects which must be satisfied before used effectiveness can be achieved.

The philosophy of computer use is examined, as are the effects of the greatly improved capability of modern equipment on the techniques of program writing and the impact of the powerful tools of computer graphics which are now available.

The development of software is seen as an evolutionary process based on an overall strategy, where the individual applications become usable and viable in their own right but will fit the final total concept. Programs are developed through a prototyping approach rather than the traditional full specification followed by approvals before program writing is commenced. This has resulted in programs which are easy to use and readily accepted.

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