Problem finding in the architectural design process refers to the act of defining design goals that were not included in the initial project requirements given to the architect. This study examines the connection between the design tools architects use, particularly sketching, and the types of design goals they develop.

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To investigate this, participants were assigned an architectural task and asked to define design goals under one of two conditions: an open condition, allowing the use of any design tool, and a limited condition, permitting only written formulations. 

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The study reveals preliminary trends suggesting differences between the two groups, establishing a foundation for future research with a larger sample size.