Design protocol analysis

Protocol analysis is an empirical, observational research method. A protocol is a piece of record of the time path of behaviors. Design protocols are usually in the form of recordings of designer’s overt behaviors, like verbalization, sketches and audio-visual recordings captured by cameras. Since Eastman’s pioneer works of studying interior design in the late 1 960s, protocol analysis has become one of well-established empirical research tools in the field of design research. However, beside Cross and Eastman have summarized some findings from existing design protocol studies in a small scope, very few comprehensive review has been undertaken to understand its methodological perspectives.