Ramtin Attar

A survey of software learnability: metrics, methodologies and guidelines

It is well-accepted that learnability is an important aspect of usability, yet there is little agreement as to how learnability should be defined, measured, and evaluated. In this paper, we present a survey of the previous definitions, metrics, and evaluation methodologies which have been used for software learnability. Our survey of evaluation methodologies leads us to a new question-suggestion protocol, which, in a user study, was shown to expose a significantly higher number of learnability issues in comparison to a more traditional think-aloud protocol. Based on the issues identified in our study, we present a classification system of learnability issues, and demonstrate how these categories can lead to guidelines for addressing the associated challenges.

PenLight: combining a mobile projector and a digital pen for dynamic visual overlay

Digital pen systems, originally designed to digitize annotations made on physical paper, are evolving to permit a wider variety of applications. Although the type and quality of pen feedback (e.g., haptic, audio, and visual) have a huge impact on advancing the digital pen technology, dynamic visual feedback has yet to be fully investigated. In parallel, miniature projectors are an emerging technology with the potential to enhance visual feedback for small mobile computing devices. In this paper we present the PenLight system, which is a testbed to explore the interaction design space and its accompanying interaction techniques in a digital pen embedded with a spatially-aware miniature projector. Using our prototype, that simulates a miniature projection (via a standard video projector), we visually augment paper documents, giving the user immediate access to additional information and computational tools. We also show how virtual ink can be managed in single and multi-user environments to aid collaboration and data management. User evaluation with professional architects indicated promise of our proposed techniques and their potential utility in the paper-intensive domain of architecture.

210 King Street: a dataset for integrated performance assessment

This paper presents a Building Information Modeling (BIM) re-creation of a designated heritage building located in Toronto, Canada. By taking advantage of BIM as a centralized database, which describes both geometric and semantic aspects of a building, this model can be leveraged as a source of input for many forms of analysis. In addition to the BIM model, we present a comprehensive point cloud dataset gathered using terrestrial laser scanning technology. Based on an existing and a living building, this model is an ideal candidate for simulations that can be cross referenced with information gathered on-site.

Embedded Rationality: A Unified Simulation Framework for Interactive Form Finding

This paper describes embedded rationality as a method for implicitly combining fabrication constraints into an interactive framework for conceptual design. While the concept of ‘embedded rationality’ has been previously discussed in the context of a parametric design environment, we employ this concept to present a novel framework for dynamic simulation as a method for interactive form-finding. By identifying categories of computational characteristics, we present a unified physics-solver that generalizes existing simulations through a constraint-based approach. Through several examples we explore conceptual approaches to a fixed form where the resulting effects of interacting forces are produced in real-time. Finally, we provide an example of embedded rationality by examining a constraint-based model of fabrication rationale for a Planar Offset Quad (POQ) panelization system.

Special issue on Simulation for Architecture and Urban Design

This special issue celebrates five annual SimAUD (Simulation for Architecture and Urban Design) Symposia held as part of the SpringSim conferences. Nine original articles are included in this special issue, covering a broad spectrum of theory and case studies of simulation applied to the built environment. The authors, researchers and practitioners, as well as architects and engineers, were selected from among the top contributors of SimAUD. Their papers are on the cusp of leading research and practice in the field of simulation for architecture and urban design. Modeling and simulation have the potential to provide tremendous insight into how complex systems will perform throughout their life cycle. Instead of relying purely on design precedent or common sense, simulation allows us to quantify a whole host of design solutions until we reach one that satisfies a multitude of hard and soft constraints. Simulation allows us to visualize the complex interactions between people, the built environment and the natural environment in an effort to approach a sustainable and symbiotic solution. Perhaps one of the most powerful facets of simulation is the ability to integrate the knowledge of thousands of researchers—from heat and mass transfer to material and human behavior—into a single toolbox at the convenience of designers. One of the emerging trends in simulation research spans both the micro and macro scales of the building. Four of the articles in this issue address urban-scale issues. These authors recognize that good building design extends well beyond the individual building to effect comfort, airflow, human mobility and pollution dispersion. Minella et al. apply a combination of measurements and simulation to understand the outdoor thermal comfort in an urban renewal area in Geneva. The considerable risk of heat stress in the summer could be greatly remedied through the use of vegetation and manipulation of building form. Peng and Elwan investigate the coupling of indoor and outdoor comfort modeling through several case studies of neighborhoods and communities, and they further quantify the effect of future climate change scenarios on comfort. Yazid et al. perform a comprehensive literature review on the topic of simulating pollution dispersion in urban areas. They reveal the power of simulation in those studies but also address the major gaps. Last, on the topic of urbanscale simulation, Ge et al. present an impressive undertaking to simulate the mobility and interaction between people in a city. Their methodology includes demographics and daily activities. The authors propose that Virtual City could be applied to problems such as emergency response and disease spread. Finally, Gerber and Lin propose a simulation-based building design solution that appeals to both engineers and architects. A hybrid of parametric analysis and formal optimization is used to demonstrate a workflow that results in optimal building performance but also architectural considerations and function. At the other end of the scale is the understanding of how humans and buildings interact. Yang et al. describe the implementation of a sensor network in an academic building to form a greater understanding of occupants and to improve the estimation of indoor environmental parameters and occupancy. Their conclusion is that a 20% reduction in energy use would be possible if heating, cooling and ventilation were controlled based on occupancy. Karagkouni et al. demonstrate that computational fluid dynamics and optimization can be combined to support the design of facades to improve occupant comfort through natural ventilation. Sher et al. employ simulation techniques to demonstrate the potential of adaptive structural systems. While the concept is tested on a canopy supported by three active members, the authors suggest the concept could be extended to dynamic facades and structural components that adapt to occupants or weather conditions. An article by Brown et al. outlines the whole field of research and demonstrates the potential of simulation in investigating a murder case. These researchers were tasked