Design is arguably one of the most difficult mental exercises regularly undertaken by human beings. The mental conception of an artifact which is to be constructed and communicating this concept in a logical way to others places considerable demands on human cognitive processes. If progress in design is to be made then innovative support mechanisms are required.

To date, computer technology has only had a significant impact in two areas of design: namely, analysis and drafting. Both of these applications are only of real benefit in the latter stages of design when generally the overall form of the artifact is well defined. If design is to be improved considerably, attention needs to be paid to formative design processes and improvements made in these areas.

This paper discusses the use of supporting computer technology in design. Current research is reviewed and the long term of each technique assessed. The need for a 'paperless' design approach is discussed and the advantages of using such an approach demonstrated.

Finally the probable development and introduction into practice of current research techniques is discussed in the light of the historical development pattern of Finite Element and Computer Aided Design techniques. It is suggested that computer systems will increasingly take over the unimaginative aspects of design whilst, happily, the designer retains the more innovative portions.

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