The role of narrative in evolving engineering design documentation

Graph representations are emerging to replace more traditional narrative forms of knowledge capture. These seem to be a better fit for work with modern hyperlinked, non-linear computerized systems and design problems. The old forms, however, possessed important characteristics for effective knowledge capture. It is not exactly clear what is lost and gained in the transition. This paper explores narrative theories and examines them using the cognitive dimensions framework. A review of literature finds that deliberately constructed narrative structure is key to affording meaningful experience of representations. This suggests flaws in current documentation practice. Proposed concepts situate many new questions that will require further study.