The document discusses a project called LEEF that aims to extend the boundaries of the design process by combining the best qualities of physical and digital model making. The researcher will interview architects and students, experimentally make models, develop rudimentary software, and beta test it. A website will be created to showcase the future software, hold documentation of the research and development process, and provide information about the team. Feedback is sought on whether the website needs more information and if the software should be downloadable from it.

1. LEEF
Extending the boundaries of the Design Process

2. Core Concept
The objective of the project is to potentially extend the boundaries
of model making within the design process. The design process is
one of the aspects, if not the most important aspects, of the
architectural practice. Designers develop a design in many different
ways. One of the more common ways is through model making.
Although drawings and sketches are important to the design
process, I am more interested in making models in order to
develop a design. Model making is often done physically using
various model making materials such as paper, wood, clay. etc.
With technology of today, there are 3D programs that are used as
a tool to create models digitally. The research that I will be
conducting focuses on how designers interact with physical and
digital model making as well as how they feel about the different
processes. There are pros to both, and this project will attempt to
combine the best qualities of both physical and digital model
making.

3. Primary Questions
How can architects become better designers?
How can architects stay relevant?
What is lacking in the physical model making?
What is lacking in digital model making?
How can the design process be more immersive?
How can non-designers become creators?
How can architecture benefit from new technology?

4. Methodology
Experimental Model Making
Interview Architects/Architecture Students
Document research using video
Develop a Rudimentary Software
Beta Test it to both designs and non-designers
Follow up Survey and Interview about the Software

5. Website Prototype
This website will showcase the future software as a product.
It will also hold information about the research behind the core
concept of the software
It will contain media-rich documentations of the development of
the software
It will also have information about the team behind the software

6. Website Prototype
Hopefully, the website will compliment the future software of
“Leef.” It will be able to give information regarding the project. It
will also have information that will hold its legitimacy (which is the
research behind the initial project concept). People will browse
through the videos and see what it took to develop this software.
Maybe in the long run, this website can be a marketing tactic to
distribute the software to potential investors.

7. Specific Feedback
I would like to know if the website needs to have more information
other than explaining the software and the documentation of
research.
How is the overall website design?
Should the software be somehow downloadable from the website?