A Method to Improve Human-Computer Interaction for Shape Design, Based on Empirical Data

Abstract

Human-computer interaction is often mainly based on the requirements of the software. However, for optimal communication between computer software and its users, the interaction should also fit to the way people work best. To be able to improve interaction with shape modeling software, a study was performed to investigate how people describe shape. The goal is to use the results of the study to adapt the interaction of shape modeling software in such a way that it better connects to the way people think and speak about shape. The study investigates which terms people use to describe shapes and shape operations. Furthermore, it investigates the differences and similarities among subjects who name shapes and shape operations. The study was done among Chinese bachelor students. For this research, a list was composed, containing descriptions of shapes and shape operations. All items in the list were then presented in pictures. The subjects had to name the shapes and shape operations that were depicted by the pictures. The paper describes the research method and shows how the results are analyzed. Furthermore, some first results are shown. Finally, possible implications for future human-computer interaction are discussed.