DOES SKETCHING OFF-LOAD VISUO-SPATIAL WORKING MEMORY?

Abstract

Abstract. Empirical studies on visuo-spatial working memory show that the capacity of the visuo-spatial working memory is limited when visuo-spatial tasks are done using imagery. Externalization is needed to off-load the visuo-spatial working memory. For the same reason drawings and diagrams play an important role in designing. This paper presents the cognitive activity differences of three expert architects when they design in blindfolded and sketching conditions. It was observed that all participants ’ overall cognitive activity in the blindfolded condition dropped below their activity in the sketching condition, approximately after 20 minutes during the timeline of the design sessions. This drop in performance can be explained by higher cognitive demands in blindfolded conditions. We concluded that sketching off-loads the visuo-spatial working memory. 1.