Institute for Systems Research Technical Reports

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/1903/4376

This archive contains a collection of reports generated by the faculty and students of the Institute for Systems Research (ISR), a permanent, interdisciplinary research unit in the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland. ISR-based projects are conducted through partnerships with industry and government, bringing together faculty and students from multiple academic departments and colleges across the university.

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Author: search.filters.author.Shneiderman, BenSubject: search.filters.subject.Systems Integration Methodology

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    Interface and Data Architecture for Query Preview in Network Information Systems
    (1997) Doan, Khoa; Plaisant, Catherine; Shneiderman, Ben; Bruns, Tom; ISR
    There are numerous problems associated with formulating queries on networked information systems. These include data diversity, data complexity, network growth, varied user base, and slow network access. This paper proposes a new approach to a network query user interface which consists of two phases: query preview and query Refinement. This new approach is based on the concepts of dynamic queries and query previews, which guides users in rapidly and dynamically eliminating undesired datasets, reducing the data volume to manageable size, and refining queries locally before submission over a network. Examples of 2 applications are given: a Restaurant Finder and prototype with NASA's Earth Observing Systems -- Data Information Systems (EOSDIS). Data architecture is discussed and user's feedback is presented. Dynamic queries and query previews provide solutions to many existing problems in querying networked information systems.
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    User Interfaces for a Complex Robotic Task: A Comparison of Tiles vs. Overlapped Windows
    (1997) Lane, J. Corde; Kuester, Steven P.; Shneiderman, Ben; ISR
    High complexity tasks, such as remote teleoperation of robotic vehicles, often require multiple windows. For these complex tasks, the windows necessary for task completion, may occupy more area than available on a single visual display unit (VDU). Since the focus of the robotic task constantly changes, modular control panels that can be opened, closed, and moved on the screen are invaluable to the operator. This study describes a specific robotic task and the need for a multi window interface that can be easily manipulated. This paper examines two multi-window management strategies: tiled (fixed size) and arbitrary overlap. Multi-window searches were performed using the two management styles and they were compared on the basis of search completion time and error rates. Results with 35 novice users showed faster completion times for the tiled management strategy than for the arbitrary overlap strategy. Over factors such as the number of windows available, the number of displayed windows workload of opening or closing windows, and effect of learning are discussed.
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    Design and Evaluation of Incremental Data Structures and Algorithms for Dynamic Query Interfaces
    (1997) Tanin, Egemen; Beigel, Richard; Shneiderman, Ben; ISR
    Dynamic query interfaces (DQI) are a recently developed database access mechanism that provides continuous real-time feedback to the user during query formulation. Previous work shows that DQI are an elegant and powerful interface to small databases. Unfortunately, when applied to large databases, previous DQI algorithms slow to a crawl. We present a new incremental approach to DQI algorithms that works well with large databases, both in theory and in practice.
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    Incremental Data Structures and Algorithms for Dynamic Query Interfaces
    (1997) Tanin, Egemen; Beigel, Richard; Shneiderman, Ben; ISR
    Dynamic query interfaces (DQIs) are a recently developed form of database access that provides continuous realtime feedback to the user during the query formulation process. Previous work shows that DQIs are an elegant and powerful interface to small databases. Unfortunately, when applied to large databases, previous DQI algorithms slow to a crawl. We present a new approach to DQI algorithms that works well with large databases.
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    Evaluating Spatial and Textual Style of Displays
    (1995) Shneiderman, Ben; Chimera, Richard; Jog, Ninog; Stimart, Ren; White, David; ISR
    The next generation of Graphic User Interfaces (GUIs) will offer rapid access to perceptually-rich, information abundant, and cognitively consistent interfaces. These new GUIs will be subjected to usability tests and expert reviews, plus new analysis methods and novel metrics to help guide designers. We have developed and tested first generation concordance tools to help developers to review terminology, capitalization, and abbreviation. We have also developed a dialog box summary table to help developers spot patterns and identify possible inconsistencies in layout, color fonts, font size, font style, and ordering of widgets. In this study we also explored the use of metrics such as widget counts, balance, alignment, density, and aspect ratios to provide further clues about where redesigns might be appropriate. Preliminary experience with several commercial projects is encouraging.