Calligraphic Interfaces: Mixed Metaphors for Design

• Type: Article in International Conference Proceedings Book
• Date: 2003

Authors

João P. Pereira (Author) FEUP; Joaquim A. Jorge (Author) FEUP; Vasco Afonso da Silva Branco (Author) FEUP; Fernando Nunes Ferreira (Author) FEUP

Conference proceedings International

Title: Interactive Systems: Design, Specification, and Verification

Pages: 154-170

10th International Workshop on the Design, Specification and Verification of Interactive Systems (DSV-IS 2003)

Funchal, Portugal, June 11-13, 2003

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Electrical engineering, Electronic engineering, Information engineering

CORDIS: Physical sciences > Computer science > Computer systems > Human computer interaction

Other information

Abstract (EN): CAD systems have yet to become usable at the early stages of product ideation, where precise shape definitions and sometimes even design intentions are not fully developed. To overcome these limitations, new approaches, which we call Calligraphic Interfaces, use sketching as the main organizing paradigm. Such applications rely on continuous input modalities rather than discrete interactions characteristic of WIMP interfaces. However, replacing direct manipulation by sketching alone poses very interesting challenges. While the temptation to follow the paper-and-pencil metaphor is great, free-hand sketch recognition remains an elusive goal. Further, using gestures to enter commands and sketches to draw shapes requires users to learn a command set – sketches do not enjoy the self-disclosing characteristics of menus. Moreover, the imprecise nature of interactions presents additional problems that are difficult to address using present-day techniques. In this paper we approach the three problems outlined above through a combination of different paradigms: First, a calligraphic sketching metaphor provides for a paper-like interaction. Second, dynamic menus – expectation lists – try to expose the state of the application without interfering with the task. Third, an incremental drawing paradigm allows precise drawings to be progressively constructed from sketches through simple constraint satisfaction. Finally, reducing instruction set and command usage allow for a simple and learnable approach in contrast with the complexity of present-day interactive systems. We present a system, GIDeS, which embodies these approaches. Usability testing carried so far yielded encouraging results to warrant further research.

Language: Portuguese

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific