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Few of today s EPDM (electronic product data management) systems make use of valuable approaches in user interface design and information visualization as suggested by researchers. In this paper, we describe a design approach addressing the problems of searching, browsing, visualizing and filtering information in hierarchically structured graphs. The main problem areas we identified are the amount of data, the possibly complex hierarchical structure in combination with a chronological versioning system and last the collaboration between different users. Working with such data spaces it is hard for users to keep a good overview on the one hand and to narrow the information space as required by the user tasks on the other hand. Additionally, the design of interaction and filter concepts for complex hierarchical networks remains a great challenge. We propose a design concept that makes use of different visualization and interaction techniques based mainly on overview and detail, filtering and zoomable components. In solving the visualization, search and filter problems of such PLM/EPDM data spaces we take a step forward to a fully optimized product lifecycle and the integration.

This paper introduces the ZOIL (Zoomable Object-Oriented Information Landscape) user interface paradigm, which is aimed at seamlessly integrating media services and content of all kinds into novel intuitive and natural visual user interfaces. In order to provide an intriguing user experience, ZOIL interfaces combine the principles of objectoriented and zoomable user interfaces with information visualization techniques. To demonstrate ZOIL s benefit for the ITV domain, we will provide visitors with an interactive firsthand experience of ZOIL s alternate interface physics, visual information exploration and usability.

MedioVis is a visual information seeking system that aims to support users natural seeking behavior, particularly in complex information spaces. To achieve this goal we introduce multiple complementary visualization techniques together with an easy-touse and consistent interaction concept. Over the last four years, MedioVis was developed in the context of digital libraries following a user-centered design process. The focus of this paper is the presentation of our interaction model and further to give an overview of the applied visualization techniques.

When the user interface should be specified, a picture is worth a thou-sand words, and the worst thing to do is write a natural language specification for it. Although this practice is still common, it is a challenging task to move from text-based requirements and problem-space concepts to a final UI design, and then back. Especially for user interface specification, actors must frequently switch between high-level descriptions and low-level detailed screens. In our research we found out that advanced specifications should to be made up of interconnected artefacts that have distinct levels of abstraction. With regards to the transparency and traceability of the rationale of the specification process, transitions and dependencies must be visual and traversable. For this purpose, a user interface specification method is introduced that interactively integrates interdisciplinary and in-formal modelling languages with different levels of fidelity of user interface prototyping. With an innovative experimental tool, we finally assemble models and design to an interactive user interface specifications.

We would like to present a poster and a demo of our operational semantic image retrieval prototype. The image retrieval system for which we set up a client-server environment and developed a prototype web client, accesses a database with about 600.000 images. We are working on a subset of 13.421 images which we got for test purposes from our cooperation partner. The main problems we are confronted with are the amount of data and therefore the location of an item of interest, the different search strategies that are used, usefull interaction techniques and of course the most interesting issue of combining the content-based image retrieval (cbir) and usual metadata to support the users in their tasks. We combine a zoom based interaction concept with a dynamic query metadata search and a cbir similarity search based on GIFT (Gnu Image Finding Tool) [2] to simplify search, exploration and scalable visualization of the hierarchical data space with search and filter techniques like dynamic queries and direct manipulation to solve the stated problems. We assume that the proposed concept for image retrieval can be also adapted to other data spaces (e.g. videos or documents).

Previous research has shown that Alphasliders are an effective tool for searching an alphabetically sorted list when only limited screen space is available for the graphical user interface. To improve user satisfaction, we propose equipping the widget with a novel text filter to dynamically limit the slider range. In this way, users are supported in locating target items and in identifying records that are missing. The results of a comparative user evaluation run on a Personal Digital Assistant showed that 8 out of 12 participants preferred the filter widget to the classic interface. We further suggest an enhanced Alphaslider design to speed up user interaction.

DelosDLMS is a prototype of a next-generation Digital Library (DL) management system. It is the result of integrating various specialized DL services provided by partners of the DELOS network of excellence into the OSIRIS platform. OSIRIS is a middleware environment for the reliable and scalable distributed execution of processes. Processes, in turn, are DL applications that are built from the specialized services available in the integrated system. DelosDLMS provides support for content-based retrieval in image, audio, video, and 3D collections and combination of any of these media types with keyword queries. It allows annotating retrieved information, provides a rich set of advanced graphical user interfaces to browse and explore large collections, and supports users in interacting with the system using a speech interface and interactive paper. Finally, it can even be applied in settings where DL content is available in a distributed P2P system.

Ziel des Forschungsprojektes MedioVis, das in enger Kooperation mit der Bibliothek der Universität Konstanz durchgeführt wird, ist die Realisierung einer innovativen visuellen Benutzungsschnittstelle zur analytischen Suche und zum interessengeleiteten Stöbern im Katalog der Konstanzer Mediothek . Deren elektronische und multimediale Titel (z.B. Videoaufzeichnungen, DVD, Tonträger, CD-ROM) sind ein bedeutsamer Bestandteil des Serviceangebots der Bibliothek der Universität Konstanz, der gerade in dem Bereich der Theater-, Film- und Medienwissenschaften, aber auch in der Fremdsprachenausbildung oder zu Unterhaltungszwecken intensiv von Studenten, Lehrpersonen und Wissenschaftlern genutzt wird.

Collaborative corporate requirements engineering and system specification demands modelling approaches that all stakeholders can understand and apply. Using traditional methods, an IT organization often experiences frustrating communication and competency issues. Current processes lack adequate tool support for networked and complex projects. We present a tool-chain for model-based requirements engineering and a visual specification of interactive systems. Through a substitution of text-based artefacts, stakeholders are able to model systems with high user interface usability and functional quality in less time.

In this paper we describe a first version of ZEUS, a web application that combines browsing, searching and object presentation. With the zooming and panning based navigation concept of ZEUS and a hierarchical organization of the information space we try to solve the problems of information overload. It has to be evaluated if categorization, zooming and a full text search can minimize that the user gets lost in hyperspace. The concept of ZEUS is based on some thesis about human cognition, navigation and exploration which we hope to prove with evaluation and user testing of our application in the future.

Corporate software development faces very demanding challenges, especially concerning the design of user interfaces. Collaborative design with stakeholders demands modeling methods that everybody can understand and apply. But when using traditional, paper-based methods to gather and document requirements, an IT organization often experiences frustrating communication issues between the business and development teams. We present ways of implementing model-driven prototyping for corporate software development. Without harming agile principles and practice, detailed prototypes can be employed for collaborative design. Model-driven prototyping beats a new path towards visual specifications and the substitution of paper-based artifacts.

In this paper we introduce our visual explorer "Blockbuster" as a contribution to the InfoVis Contest 2007. The system's development followed a user-centered design process and a design rationale considering not only the pragmatic qualities of the system, but also hedonic qualities like aesthetics or "joy-of-use". Apart from briefly outlining the employed visualization techniques, we will focus on Blockbuster's interaction design, which is aimed at facilitating the selection, combination and mutual filtering of visualizations under a consistent interaction paradigm. Blockbuster thereby demonstrates the potential of information visualization for end-user-centered applications that blur the boundaries of information visualization, visual information seeking and browsing.

In Human-Computer studies and visual analytics, the majority of the evaluation methods applied, collect data at a single point in time, in form of cross-sectional data. In several studies numerous visualization tools were evaluated in controlled experiments. Although the experiments discovered valuable findings, certain drawbacks of the research method were expressed. The time constraints of one-time experiments reduce the amount of training which can be given to the participants.
Furthermore, when the studies tried to measure the insight derived from the visualization tools the time constraints didn't allow observing how these insights develop over time or their interdependency. Further problems of cross-sectional studies are well known, like the selection of appropriate tasks, the mostly extrinsic motivation of the participants, the influence of a laboratory environment compared to a realistic work setting and whether a visualization tool does meet the work requirements in the long run. In this position paper we argue for applying longitudinal research methods in human-computer studies as an extension to cross-sectional studies and present a first approach towards a methodological research framework. We suggest a set of research questions and performance measures that would be benefical for extending cross-sectional studies with longitudinal ones. We also describe in two case studies, in which only cross-sectional research methods were used, how they can improved by longitudinal methods.

Within the eEurope2010 initiative “An Information Society for All”, development methods which enable the inclusion of the end-user become essential in order to ensure the paradigm of Universal Access. It is important to understand the end-users, their behavior, their knowledge of technology and their abilities and the context in which the applications will be used. In this paper, we combine our experiences in both Agile Methods and Usability Engineering and show that the resulting agile usability methods – however these maybe designated – are ideally suited to design and develop applications which follow the idea of Universal Access and where the end-user is having great influence on systems design.

In diesem Beitrag stellen wir eine Werkzeugkette zur Modell-getriebenen Erzeugung interak-tiver Prototypen vor. Durch die konsequente Verwendung von visuellen Simulationen für funktionale und nicht-funktionale Anforderungen können Prototypen als Vehikel für eine neue Art der Systemspezifikation fungieren. Der Prozess der Anforderungsermittlung soll damit so verändert werden, dass Prototypen als treibende Kraft bis hin zur Systemimplementation beim IT-Zulieferer eingesetzt werden können. Ein Modell-getriebener Ansatz erlaubt dabei die Kreation von Prototypen durch abstrakte und leicht verständliche Methoden. Damit soll der Einsatz von Text-basierten Ausdrucksmitteln reduziert werden.

Since large, high-resolution displays (LHRD) are capable of visualizing a large amount of very detailed information, users have to move around in front of these displays to gain either in-depth knowledge or an overview. However, conventional input devices such as mouse and keyboard restrict users mobility by requiring a stable surface on which to operate. We present a flexible and intuitive interaction technique based on an infrared laserpointer, a technique that allows identical use from any point and distance. In particular, our laserpointer interaction satisfies the demands of LHRD in the areas of mobility, accuracy, and interaction speed. The solution presented is technically designed as a generic interaction library whose flexibility and general applicability was verified by using it on two very different systems a planar 221" Powerwall and a curved 360° panoramic display. Furthermore, a comparative evaluation study with 16 participants was conducted on the Powerwall to compare the performances of a conventional mouse and our laserpointer by means of a unidirectional tapping test at varying distances (ISO 9241-9). The statistically significant performance advantage of the mouse (13%) appears marginal considering the intuitive and direct mode of interaction in using the laserpointer and the flexibility gained by its use, both of which are fundamental requirements for LHRDs. In comparison to previous systems and evaluations, we were able to reduce the laserpointer s performance lag by over 50%. This result is achieved mainly by our precise tracking method, the minimized delay, and the effective jitter compensation.

Der hohe Stellenwert gebrauchstauglicher Benutzungsschnittstellen wird von immer mehr Unternehmen erkannt und erfordert eine Anpassung verbreiteter Vorgehensweisen bei der Anforderungsermittlung und Systemspezifikation. Der Auftraggeber kann sich nicht darauf beschränken, die System- und Benutzeranforderungen zu definieren. Der Auftragnehmer ist oft nicht in der Lage, selbständig ein benutzerfreund-liches System nach den exakten Vorstellungen des Auftraggebers zu gestalten (Offergeld & Oed 2006). Wir stellen Vorgehensmodelle und Methoden zur Erzeugung interaktiver Prototypen und Systemspezifikationen vor. Durch eine visuelle Spezifikationen können Kommunikations- und Kompetenzprobleme überwunden werden. Entwicklungszeiten werden bei gleichzeitiger Steigerung der Qualität verkürzt und die Zusammenarbeit optimiert.

Today s highly competitive mass markets of interactive products have led to a new perception of product quality by the users and providers of information technology. This new perception goes far beyond the concepts of pure functionality or usability, which are traditionally promoted by software engineering or HCI research. It also incorporates hard-to-grasp concepts from visual and industrial design, psychology, or marketing research, e.g. attractiveness, fun or the successful delivery of a brand proposition. Thus the achievement of this kind of a positive "user experience" (or UX) has become the design goal for numerous interdisciplinary UX teams at world s leading IT manufacturers. However, although the term user experience is already widely adopted by practitioners and the industry, there is no scientific consensus on a definition or a theoretical model of UX yet. In this paper we therefore collect different views from scientific and practitioner literature and unify them in a simplified model of UX for practical application and as a theoretical framework for future UX-oriented endeavors.

This article seeks to close the gap between software engineering and human-computer interaction by indicating interdisciplinary interfaces of SE and HCI lifecycles. We present a cross-discipline user interface design lifecycle that integrates SE and HCI under the umbrella of agile development.

We seek to close the gap between software engineering (SE) and human-computer interaction (HCI) by indicating interdisciplinary interfaces throughout the different phases of SE and HCI lifecycles. As agile representatives of SE, Extreme Programming (XP) and Agile Modeling (AM) contribute helpful principles and practices for a common engineering approach. We present a cross-discipline user interface design lifecycle that integrates SE and HCI under the umbrella of agile development. Melting IT budgets, pressure of time and the demand to build better software in less time must be supported by traveling as light as possible. We did, therefore, choose not just to mediate both disciplines. Following our surveys, a rather radical approach best fits the demands of engineering organizations.

In diesem Beitrag werden neun Design - Prinzipien, die die Gestaltung von digitalen Bibliotheken und Katalogen hinsichtlich Benutzerfreundlichkeit und effizienter Navigation und Interaktion unterstützen können anhand des Projekts MedioVis vorgestellt. Die Design - Prinzipien entstammen hierbei dem Forschungsbereich Mensch - Computer Interaktion und im Speziellen der Erfahrung der Autoren mit der Konzeption und Entwicklung von visuellen Suchsystemen in mehreren EU Projekten. Das Projekt MedioVis ist hierbei der letzte Evolutionsschritt und vereint eine tabellenbasierte Trefferdarstellung mit Zooming- und Browsing-Konzepten sowie weiteren Visualisierungen, um den Benutzer sowohl bei einer zielgerichteten analytischen Suche als auch einem interessengeleiteten Stöbern optimal zu unterstützen.

Corporate software development faces very demanding challenges, especially concerning the user interface of a software system. Collaborative design with stakeholders demands informal modeling methods that everybody can understand and apply. But using traditional, paper-based methods to gather and document requirements, an IT organization often experiences frustrating communication issues between the business and development teams. We present ways of agile high-fidelity prototyping for corporate user interface design. Without harming agile principles and practice, detailed prototypes can be employed for collaborative design, can act as visual specifications and substitute paper-based artifacts.

Aufgrund des limitierten Sehvermögens des Menschen muss sich ein Anwender vor großen, hochauflösenden Displays frei bewegen können, um kleinste Details pixelgenau wahr zu nehmen oder einen Überblick über die gesamte Darstellungsfläche von mehreren Quadratmetern zu erhalten. Im Gegensatz zu konventionellen Eingabegeräten wie Maus und Tastatur beschränken Laserpointer den Anwender nicht in seiner Bewegungsfreiheit, sondern ermöglichen unabhängig von der Position zum Display eine sehr intuitive und direkte Art der Interaktion. In diesem Beitrag wird eine Interaktionsbibliothek vorgestellt, welche im Hinblick auf Präzision und verzögerungsfreier Steuerung erstmals auch den Einsatz von Laserpointer-Tracking bei großen, hochauflösenden Displays ermöglicht. In einem Vergleichsexperiment wurde die Interaktionsbibliothek in Kombination mit einem Infrarotlaserpointer gegenüber einer klassischen Maus als Standardeingabegerät bei unterschiedlichen Distanzen evaluiert. Der signifikante Performancevorteil der Maus von 12,5% scheint in Anbetracht der gewonnenen Bewegungsfreiheit und der unmittelbaren Interaktionsweise mit dem Laserpointer eher gering ins Gewicht zu fallen. Im Vergleich zu bisherigen Systemen konnte der Rückstand des Laserpointers um über 50% reduziert werden, was größtenteils auf die geringe Bewegungslatenz, das präzise Tracking und die wirksame Kompensation des Zitterns der Hand zurückzuführen ist. Ferner wurde bei der Studie ein signifikanter Distanzeffekt beim Laserpointer hinsichtlich Performance und Fehlerrate festgestellt.

Die Informationstechnologie hat heute einen Reifegrad erlangt, der stark umkämpfte Massenmärkte von interaktiven Produkten hervorgebracht hat. In diesen sind - wie auch in den herkömmlichen Konsumgütermärkten - nicht nur die pragmatische Produktqualität, sondern auch das Benutzungserlebnis und die Gesamtwirkung auf den Käufer entscheidend für den Markterfolg. Eine erfolgreiche Gestaltung dieser "User Experience" geht dabei über die reine Softwareergonomie hinaus und erfordert interdisziplinäre Anstrengungen, die vom Design bis zur strategischen Unternehmenskommunikation reichen. Dieser Beitrag fasst die Sichtweisen zu "User Experience" in der Literatur zusammen und argumentiert für eine Öffnung der Disziplin MCI für derartige Fragestellungen jenseits der Usability.

While zoomable user interfaces can improve the usability of applications by easing data access, a drawback is that some users tend to become lost after they have zoomed in. Previous studies indicate that this effect could be related to individual differences in spatial ability. To overcome such orientation problems, many desktop applications feature an additional overview window showing a miniature of the entire information space. Small devices, however, have a very limited screen real estate and incorporating an overview window often means pruning the size of the detail view considerably. Given this context, we report the results of a user study in which 24 participants solved search tasks by using two zoomable scatterplot applications on a PDA - one of the applications featured an overview, the other relied solely on the detail view. In contrast to similar studies for desktop applications, there was no significant difference in user preference between the interfaces. On the other hand, participants solved search tasks faster without the overview. This indicates that, on small screens, a larger detail view can outweigh the benefits gained from an overview window. Individual differences in spatial ability did not have a significant effect on task-completion times although results suggest that participants with higher spatial ability were slowed down by the overview more than low spatial-ability users.