Susanne Jul

Critical zones in desert fog: aids to multiscale navigation

In this paper, we introduce the problem of “desert fog,” a condition wherein a view of an information world contains no information on which to base navigational decisions. We present a set of view-based navigational aids that allow navigators to find their way through desert fog in multiscale electronic worlds. Prototypes of these aids have been implemented in the Landmarking and ZTracker systems. We introduce the concept of critical zone analysis, a method of grouping objects according to their visibility in views of the information world rather than their spatial layout. This concept was derived from a formal analysis of desert fog using view-navigation theory. Our analysis informally extends view-navigation theory to accommodate spatial multiscale worlds and is detailed in the paper.

This is a lot easier!: constrained movement speeds navigation

This paper reports on an experiment comparing constrained and unconstrained movement in a 2D zooming environment. Results showed a significant reduction in time on task when movement was constrained, accompanied by considerable decreases in mouse movement activity. Detailed analysis suggests that subjects were calmer, more confident in their actions and experienced less spatial disorientation, indicating that judiciously constrained movement can reduce both mechanical and cognitive demands of navigation.

Predictive targeted movement in electronic spaces

The lodestones and leylines interaction technique simplifies navigation in electronic spaces by coordinating physical and conceptual movement-gently constraining motion to follow automatically computed paths to predicted destinations. This approach simplifies physical movement, ensures that movement leads to interesting locations and supports navigation to locations not visible from the current location. It is illustrated in a spatial multiscale environment where pilot data show reliable performance improvements.

Workshop on navigation in electronic worlds

This two-day workshop will bring together researchers and designers working on different topics relevant to navigation in electronic information worlds. The central focus will be on human navigation in electronic information emphasizing fundamental issues in research and design. The chosen focus requires awareness of the broader topics of navigation in general, the impact of information structures, and properties of the electronic world--all in relation to properties of users, their tasks and contexts.

Designing for learning

TOPIC Learning is essential to li fe as we know it. The rate of social and technological change has increased to a point where an individual must constantly acquire new skill s and knowledge in order to maintain their place in society. Once, an apprenticeship served before age 14 offered suff icient learning to last a li fetime. Today, society presumes 12 years of schooling in general knowledge, followed by 4-12 years of specialized education or on-the-job apprenticeship. Much of the knowledge acquired is often obsolete even before this education is complete.

Computational implications of human navigation in multiscale electronic worlds

In this work I seek to formulate a theory of the computational implications of certain factors that affect human navigation in multiscale electronic worlds. Specifically, I seek to describe the properties a multiscale world must satisfy to furnish useful Games of reference. I draw factors from three areas. First, understanding of spatial cognition in general and frames of reference in spatial cognition in particular. Second, theoretical characteristics of multiscale information spaces. Third, general attributes of users’ task contexts. The ultimate goal of the work is to provide a basis for a theory of design of navigational aids. This project also seeks to provide a case study of integrating existing psychological theories with emerging theories of computational environments.

Basic research symposium

The Basic Research Symposium is a special event with a five-year history at CHI. It is a hybrid between a mini-conference and a workshop that presents an opportunity for researchers from different disciplines to share their visions through exchanging new developments and insights from their own fields. The goal of the Symposium is to provide an interactive forum to promote and enhance scientific discussions of developing research issues. It is designed to advance understanding and dialogue among fellow researchers as well as to encourage asking of questions and reflection on methods and results. It is a unique opportunity to learn about the variety of perspectives present in the international HCI research community and to apply the often radically different criteria associated with those perspectives to ones own work.