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Towards new Interaction - A Content Centric Data Surface Approach
Publication Type:
Licentiate Thesis
Publisher:
Mälardalen University Press
Abstract
Point-and-click, multiple views in windows stacked over each other, and menu
selection were breakthroughs in the 70s and what was achievable with the computational
power then available. The desktop metaphor explains to users the
structure of file, directories, and programs. The computer industry has developed
enormously since then. Computational power, the flow and deposits
of information have now increased to a point where new approaches to interaction
have to be considered. This thesis presents a content-centric interface
paradigm, which I call the data surface paradigm. The data surface paradigm
contrasts with the desktop metaphor and elements of the desktop metaphor:
windows, icons, menus, document files and application programs. The data
surface paradigm is based on a reassessment of the fundamental design values
of the desktop metaphor interface. It takes into account information navigation
and retrieval, collaboration, and ongoing creative open-ended tasks and
processes. As a design case I have studied computer music creativity throughout
the thesis. Interviews and observations of novices and expert users of
music creativity tools identified their needs and inspired prototype designs.
I have used an iterative user-centred design process to build and evaluate a
series of three prototypes. Content is visualised on a flat infinitely large twodimensional
surface. Users navigate their content by zoom and pan, and incremental
search. There are no windows. The unlimited area avoids the need to
stack multiple views on top of each other. There are no icons. Content becomes
its own icon when users zoom out, miniaturised in size but with preserved
structure and metric relationships. There are no menus. Content affords typed
commands and context help makes it easier for users to learn. Visual feedback
and text completion of command substrings create a uniform model for command
invocation and shortcuts. Users do not experience document files. The
information content is visualised directly on the surface. Users have no need
to deal with explicit file manipulation. The system manages the persistency of
content. Users do not experience application programs. Small plug-in components
provide services related to different information modality. Components
are attached to the content, one component for each service and information
modality. I have, on the basis of cognitive science, observations, interviews,
and usability evaluations of prototypes, found strong indications sustaining my
approach. The final prototype was evaluated with 10 subject users. The prototype
supported the services expected by the users, their creativity in action,
and awareness in collaboration. Their responses to the final prototype were:
âIt feels free, it feels good for creativity, and itâs easy and fun.
Bibtex
@misc{Lindell668,
author = {Rikard Lindell},
title = {Towards new Interaction - A Content Centric Data Surface Approach},
number = {39},
month = {December},
year = {2004},
publisher = {M{\"a}lardalen University Press},
url = {http://www.es.mdu.se/publications/668-}
}