User Interface Design for Algorithm Animation

Abstract

Because a system must be both easy to use and quick to learn, the design of the user interface is of fundamental importance. Two aspects of the user interface require standardization: the consistency of object and motion and the consistency of the control interface. The first aspect means that animation objects should always move the same way (consistency of motion) and that similar algorithm variables should be represented uniformly (consistency of object). To address the second aspect, Animated Algorithms offers a consistent control interface employing the VCR controller metaphor (Figure III.9).