Computer utilization in interior design: a comparative study of attitude, application, and equipment usage in 1985 and 1988

This research investigated the extent of computer usage in interior design organizations in 1988. These findings were then compared to research completed in 1985. This research is intended as a continuing study to document the changing field of computer applications. Four areas of information were analyzed that included designers~ background information, prevailing attitudes about computers, and current computer hardware and software utilization within the interior design profession. Finally, the results also document any changes in percentages of computer equipment utilization between 1985 and 1988.

A questionnaire was sent to five hundred professional members of ASID across the nation. A total of 171 responses was used to draw a comparative analysis. Frequency distributions were used to describe the sample background characteristics and to report computer equipment utilization. The students t test was used to test the differences in attitudinal means between 1985 and 1988. A populations proportions test was used to statistically report any changes in percentages of equipment utilization.

The 1988 findings which were statistically significant indicate that CADD (Computer-Aided Design and Drafting) users reflect more positive opinions towards computers than non-CADD users. Overall, more computers are being utilized in 1988 than 1985. Both microcomputers and mini/mainframe computer usage has increased. CADD utilization has increased significantly. IBM and IBM-compatible computer equipment systems were found to be the most frequently utilized type of systems. The most popular applications were billing, accounting, business correspondence, and specification writing.