Title: Knowledge-based framework for an automated user interface presentation design tool
Abstract: The capabilities of user interface design tools can be enhanced by providing high-level design control throughout the user interface presentation design process. Current user interface builders provide only low-level assistance, because they have knowledge of neither the application, nor the principles by which interface elements are combined effectively. In this research, a framework that unites the essential knowledge components needed for effective user interface presentation design was developed. The framework consists of an application model (both a data model and a control model), a design process model that supports top-down iterative development, and graphic design knowledge that is used both to place dialog box elements such that their application dependent logical relationships are visually reinforced and to control design symmetry and balance. To demonstrate the framework's viability, we have constructed a tool based on encapsulated design knowledge that establishes high-level style preferences and provides expert assistance to create the user interface presentation design automatically.
The design process architecture developed in this research incorporates models of the three major design tasks of user interface presentation design: (1) content organization; (2) interface object selection; and (3) presentation design layout. A designer is guided through each stage of the design process. The design tool provides high-level design control by allowing a designer to specify the high-level preferences prior to each design activity and by allowing a designer to modify automated design decisions interactively after each design activity. By working with the design tool in a cooperative manner, a designer is able to constrain and explore the design space to automatically generate menu and dialog box presentation that can be further refined until a presentation that meets a designer's needs is generated. The underlying knowledge base is transformed automatically at each stage until the final presentation design representation is generated. The effectiveness of the design tool comes from the knowledge base representation of various stages of the interface design process and embedded design knowledge that supplements a designer's knowledge.
Publication Year: 1993
Publication Date: 1993-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 3
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