CAD Technology Transfer: a Case Study

Abstract

Transferring innovative university-based research results to the industry or practice that will ultimately use them is an arduous, time-consuming effort. One way to effect this technology transfer is to develop a demonstrable prototype product and then find or form a corporation that can expand the prototype into a full product and market it to the profession. Another way, which can shorten the transfer process, is to “sell” the idea, rather than the product, to a corporation that has the vision, the resources and the technical competency to support its development, with the intent to eventually market it. In this paper, we describe a case study of this latter approach, based on our seven year experience of researching, developing and transferring innovative architectural CAD technology. We describe the birth, growth, and maturity of Worldview, a computer-aided design and modelling system for use by architects. The project was initiated in 1983, and went through five software versions, numerous grants and grant extensions, two granting corporations, and extensive field testing. The software has developed into a mature system, with sufficient functionality appropriate for commercial distribution. The paper describes not only the factual chronology of the project, but also highlights the advantages and drawbacks of market-oriented university research. We conclude with suggestions as to how the process may be improved, and how problems and obstacles can be minimized