Understanding conceptual electronic design using protocol analysis

Many theories about the process, of design have been derived from prescriptive or descriptive analysis. There have been few attempts to empirically test these theories. Protocol analysis facilitates detailed inspection of the design process allowing design task analysis across the temporal dimension. Some hypotheses about the design process, derived from the literature, are objectively tested using results obtained from protocol analyses of various electronics designers engaged in conceptual design. Support for the hypotheses is found.