Abstract
The literature review has suggested that architects look for tools that would support them in their attempt to produce Innovative projects. CAAD systems help the architect in formulating and developing design ideas. Research studies have concentrated on the usability and shortages of these systems, the users' attitude, knowledge and their acceptance of these systems. On the other hand, the literature review emphasized that certain negotiation and collaboration activities are crucial to initiate creativity and produce innovative design products. However, few studies have investigated the relation between the social settings of the design studio and the utilization of CAAD systems. This research argues that certain design studio's settings would affect the innovative use of CAAD systems. In 2012, students at College of Architecture, University of Dammam were surveyed to find out how the healthy design studio's settings would support the utilization of CAAD systems in producing innovative design products and vice versa. The survey results showed that innovative and open minded students, who undertake certain design and communication tasks, found that CAAD systems are more useful in producing innovative projects than other students. The study made recommendations on how to define and set healthy social interaction conditions in the design studio so this would initiate innovative behaviour while using CAAD system throughout the design process.