Rapid prototyping & Sketch tool usability
This blog post is based on a presentation at the BCS HCI conference in London, September 2006
How can we improve the experience of rapid prototyping?
Beryl Plimmer from University of Auckland presented an interesting paper + interactive demo of a software that improves the experience and usability of prototyping.
The idea is that using a tablet PC, you can easily sketch the interface and automatically convert it into a real graphical interface. Before using the tool, you have to sketch up your own library of UI elements. The system is currently under development and not available for the public.
The results from the research is that
reducing constraints, careful use of metaphor and pairing input and output devices improved user experience
This system is useful because
- It’s extremely fast to sketch an interface. Erasing is easier. Data can be organized. Drawings can be reused.
- The prototype sketch is cleaned up and shows real Windows user interface controls, so that it’s easier to see the final result.
- It’s quick to insert text and data. Create a window and draw for example a dropdown box. Then a window with a list of text “item 1, item 2”. Link them, and voila; it’s automatically inserted into the dropdown box.
Af:
Anders ?
Kategorier: Usability
