Interface for a sketch-planning workbench

✍ Scribed by Lewis D. Hopkins; Rajiv Ramanathan; Varkki George Pallathucheril

• Book ID: 104014650
• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 2004
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 351 KB
• Volume: 28
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0198-9715
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compenvurbsys.2003.06.001

✦ Synopsis

We use the term workbench to describe human-computer interactive work environments in which collaborative sketch planning is enabled rather than discouraged. These workbenches consist of both physical objects and virtual software tools. We describe here progress on two aspects of a sustained effort to develop such a sketch-planning workbench: (1) the workbench as physical object and workplace, and (2) the mode of interaction among humans and computers. The device is a 36 00 by 48 00 touch-sensitive, rear-projection screen that works horizontally as a conference table or tilted as a drawing board. Gestures can be used to draw, annotate, and manipulate ideas in modes compatible with sketch planning and collaboration. We conclude by discussing future work in terms of designing and prototyping user interfaces, a coherent set of tools, and protocols for use in rapid, iterative creation and evaluation of plans.