You are granted permission for the non-commercial reproduction, distribution, display, and performance of this technical report in any format. However, this permission is only for a period of 45 (forty-five) days from the most recent time that you verified that this technical report is still available from the Department of Computer Science of the University of Maryland at College Park under terms that include this permission. All other rights are reserved by the author(s).
The Design of History Mechanisms and their Use in Collaborative Educational Simulations. Catherine Plaisant. Anne Rose. Gary Rubloff. Richard Salter. Ben Shneiderman. May 1999.
Reviewing past events has been useful in many domains. Videotapes and flight data recorders provide nvaluable technological help to sports coaches or aviation engineers. Similarly, providing learners with a readable recording of their actions may help them monitor their behavior, reflect on their progress, and experiment with revisions of their experiences. It may also facilitate active collaboration among dispersed learning communities. Learning histories can help students and professionals make more effective use of digital library searching, word processing tasks, computer-assisted design tools, electronic performance support systems, and web navigation. This paper describes the design space and discusses the challenges of implementing learning histories. It presents guidelines for creating effective implementations, and the design tradeoffs between sparse and dense history records. The paper also presents a first implementation of learning histories for a simulation-based engineering learning environment called SimPLE (Simulated Processes in a Learning Environment) for the case of a semiconductor fabrication module, and reports on early user evaluation of learning histories implemented within SimPLE. Also cross-referenced as UMIACS-TR-99-34 University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies, Department of Computer Science, University of Maryland,
Visualizing Digital Library Search Results with Categorical and. Ben Shneiderman. David Feldman. Anne Rose. February 1999.
Digital library search results are usually shown as a textual list, with 10-20 items per page. Viewing several thousand search results at once on a two-dimensional display with continuous variables is a promising alternative. Since these displays can overwhelm some users, we created a simplified two-dimensional display that uses categorical and hierarchical axes, called hieraxes. Users appreciate the meaningful and limited number of terms on each hieraxis. At each grid point of the display we show a cluster of color-coded dots or a bar chart. Users see the entire result set and can then click on labels to move down a level in the hierarchy. Handling broad hierarchies and arranging for imposed hierarchies led to additional design innovations. We applied hieraxes to a digital video library used by middle school teachers and a legal information system. (Also cross-referenced as UMIACS-TR-99-12) University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies, Department of Computer Science, University of Maryland,
Understanding Transportation Management Systems Performance with a. Catherine Plaisant. Phil Tarnoff. Aditya Saraf. Anne Rose. November 1998.
We have developed a simulation-based learning environment to provide system designers and operators with an appreciation of the impact of incidents on traffic delay. We used an application framework developed at the University of Maryland for constructing simulation-based learning environments called SimPLE (Simulated Processes in a Learning Environment). Environments developed with SimPLE use dynamic simulations and visualizations to represent realistic time-dependent behavior and are coupled with guidance material and other software aids that facilitate learning. The simulation allows learners to close freeway lanes and divert traffic to an arterial road. Users can see the effect of the detour on freeway and arterial delay. Users can then adjust signal timing interactively on a time space diagram and watch the effect of their adjustment on green band changes and on arterial delays and total delays. Department of Computer Science, University of Maryland,
An Application Framework for Creating Simulation-Based Learning. Anne Rose. David Eckard. Gary W. Rubloff+. May 1998.
While there are numerous types of electronic learning environments including collaboratories, construction toolkits, systems with "scaffolding" and simulations, it is difficult to find authoring tools to build these systems. We have developed an application framework for constructing simulation-based learning environments called SimPLE (Simulated Processes in a Learning Environment). Environments developed with SimPLE use dynamic simulations and visualizations to represent realistic time-dependent behavior and are coupled with guidance material and other software aids that facilitate learning. The software architecture enables independent contributions from developers representing educational content (e.g., simulation models, guidance materials) and software development (e.g., user interface). We provide a user interface template and accompanying software aids to reduce the software development effort. (Also cross-referenced as UMIACS-TR-98-32) University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies, Department of Computer Science, University of Maryland,
Building an Electronic Learning Community: From Design to. Anne Rose. Wei Ding. Gary Marchionini. Josephus Beale, Jr.. Victor Nolet. September 1997.
The University of Maryland at College Park in cooperation with Baltimore City Public Schools and several partners is working to build an electronic learning community that provides teachers with multimedia resources that are linked to outcome-oriented curriculum guidelines. The initial resource library contains over 1000 videos, texts, images, web sites, and instructional modules. Using the current system, teachers can explore and search the resource library, create and present instructional modules in their classrooms, and communicate with other teachers in the community. This paper discusses the iterative design process and the results of informal usability testing. Lessons learned are also presented for developers. (Also cross-referenced as UMIACS-TR-97-67 and as CLIS-TR-97-12) University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies, Department of Computer Science, University of Maryland,
Viewing personal history records: A comparison of Tabular format and. Diane Lindwarm Alonso. Anne Rose. Catherine Plaisant. Kent L. Norman. May 1997.
Thirty-six participants used a static version of either LifeLines, a graphical interface, or a Tabular representation to answer questions about a database of temporal personal history information. Results suggest that overall the LifeLines representation led to much faster response times, primarily for questions which involved interval comparisons and making intercategorical connections. In addition, on a follow-up questionnaire, nine out of eleven questions rated LifeLines preferable in terms of user satisfaction. A "first impression" test showed that LifeLines can reduce some of the biases of the tabular record summary. A post-experimental memory test led to significantly (p<.004) higher recall for LifeLines. Finally, simple interaction techniques are proposed to augment LifeLines ability to better deal with precise dates, attribute coding and overlaps. Department of Computer Science, University of Maryland,
Content + Connectivity = Community: Digital Resources for a Learning. Gary Marchionini. Victor Nolet. Hunter Williams. Wei Ding. Josephus Beale Jr.. Anne Rose. Allison Gordon. Ernestine Enomoto. Lynn Harbinson. January 1997.
Digital libraries offer new opportunities to provide access to diverse resources beyond those held in school buildings and to allow teachers and learners to reach beyond classroom walls to other people to build distributed learning communities. Creating learning communities requires that teachers change their behaviors and the Baltimore Learning Community Project described here is based on the premise that access to resources should be tied to the assessment outcomes that increasingly drive curricula and classroom activity. Based on examination of curriculum guides and discussions with project teachers, an interface for the BLC digital library was prototyped. Three components (explore, construct, and present) of this user interface that allows teachers to find text, video, images, web sites, and instructional modules and create their own modules are described. Although the technological challenges of building learning communities are significant, the greater challenges are mainly social and political. Department of Computer Science, University of Maryland,
September 1996.
Putting Visualization to Work -- ProgramFinder for Youth Placement. Jason Ellis. Anne Rose. Catherine Plaisant. The Human-Computer Interaction Laboratory (HCIL) and the Maryland Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) have been working together to develop the ProgramFinder, a tool for choosing programs for a troubled youth from drug rehabilitation cente rs to secure residential facilities. The seemingly straightforward journey of t he ProgramFinder from an existing user interface technique to a product design r equired the development of five different prototypes which involved user interfa ce design, prototype implementation, and selecting search criterion. While HCIL 's effort focused primarily on design and implementation, DJJ's attribute select ion process was the most time consuming and difficult task. We also found that a direct link to DJJ's workflow was needed in the prototypes to generate the nec essary "buy-in". This paper analyzes the interaction between the efforts of HCI L and DJJ and the amount of "buy-in" by DJJ staff and management. Lesson learne d are presented for developers. Human-Computer Interaction Laboratory, University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies, Dept. of Computer Science, Univ. of Maryland,
Anne Rose. Jason Ellis. Catherine Plaisant. Stephan Greene. May 1996.
Life cycle of user interface techniques: The DJJ information system design. To take advantage of todayÕs technology, many organizations are migrating from their legacy systems. With help from the Human-Computer Interaction Laboratory (HCIL) and Cognetics Corporation, the Maryland Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is currently undergoing an effort to redesign their information system to take advantage of graphical user interfaces. As a research lab, HCIL identifies interesting research problems and then prototypes solutions. As a project matures, the exploratory prototypes are adapted to suit the end product requirements. This case study describes the life cycle of three DJJ prototypes: (1) LifeLines, which uses time lines to display an overview of a youth in one screen, (2) the DJJ Navigator, which helps manage individual workloads by displaying different user views, and (3) the ProgramFinder, a tool for selecting the best program for a youth. (Also cross-referenced as CAR-TR-826) Human Computer Interaction Laboratory, Center for Automation Research, Dept. of Computer Science, Univ. of Maryland,
Catherine Plaisant. Anne Rose. March 1996.
Exploring LifeLines to Visualize Patient Records. LifeLines provide a general visualization environment for personal histories. We explored its use for medical patient records. A one screen overview of the record using timelines provides direct access to the data. Problems, hospitalization and medications can be represented as horizontal lines, while icons represent discrete events such as physician consultations (and progress notes) or tests. Line color and thickness can illustrate relationships or significance. Techniques are described to display large records. Rescaling tools and filters allow users to focus on part of the information, revealing more details. Computerized medical records pose tremendous problems to system developers. Infrastructure and privacy issues need to be resolved before physicians can even start using the records. Non-intrusive hardware is required for physicians to do their work (i.e. interview patients) away from their desk and cumbersome workstations. But all the efforts to solve those problems will only succeed if appropriate attention is also given to the user interface design [1][8]. Long lists to scroll, clumsy search, endless menus and lengthy dialogs will lead to user rejection. But techniques are being developed to summarize, filter and present large amount of information, leading us to believe that rapid access to needed data is possible with careful design. While more attention is now put on developing standards for gathering medical records we found that very little effort had been made to design appropriate visualization and navigation techniques to present and explore personal history records. An intuitive approach to visualizing histories is to use graphical time series. The consistent, linear time scale allows comparisons and relations between the quantities displayed. Data can be graphed on the timeline to show time series of quantitative data. Highly interactive interfaces turn the display into a meaningfully structured menu with direct access to the data needed to review a problem or conduct the diagnosis. Also cross-referenced as CAR-TR-819 Human Computer Interaction Laboratory, Center for Automation Research, Dept. of Computer Science, Univ. of Maryland,
Ben Shneiderman. Anne Rose. October 1995.
Social Impact Statements: Engaging Public Participation in Information. "The real question before us lies here: do these instruments further life and enhance its values, or not?Ó - Mumford (1934) p. 318 Computers have become an integral part of our everyday lives. Banks, airlines, motor vehicle administrations, police departments, Social Security, and the Internal Revenue Service all depend on computers. From their introduction, people have questioned the impact computers will have on society. We believe it is our responsibility as system designers to achieve organizational goals while serving human needs and protecting individual rights. The proposed Social Impact Statements (Shneiderman, 1990) woul d identify the impacts of information systems on direct and indirect users, who may be employees or the public. This paper proposes a framework for implementing Social Impact Statements for federal and local government agencies and regulated industries, with optional participation by the other privately held corporations. A Social Impact Statement should describe the new system and its benefits, acknowledge concerns and potential barriers, outline the development process, and address fundamental principl es. Examples from our work with the Maryland Department of Juvenile Justice are offered. Also cross-referenced as CAR-TR-796 Human-Computer Interaction Laboratory, Center for Automation Research, Institute for Systems Research, Dept. of Computer Science, Univ. of Maryland,
Catherine Plaisant. Brett Milash. Anne Rose. Seth Widoff. Ben Shneiderman. September 1995.
LifeLines: Visualizing personal histories. LifeLines provide a general visualization environment for personal histories that can be applied to medical and court records, professional histories and other types of biographical data. A one screen overview shows multiple facets of the records. Aspects, for example medical conditions or legal cases, are displayed as individual time lines, while icons indicate discrete events, such as physician consultations or legal reviews. Line color and thickness illustrate relationships or significance, scaling tools and filters allow users to focus on part of the information. LifeLines reduce the chances of missing information, facilitate spotting anomalies and trends, streamline access to details, while remaining tailorable and easily sharable between applications. The paper describes the use of LifeLines for youth records of the Maryland Department of Juvenile Justice and also for medical records. User's feedback was collected using a Visual Basic prototype for the youth record. Techniques to deal with complex records are reviewed and issues of a standard personal record format are discussed. additional reference numbers in the format of the next line (Also cross-referenced as CAR-TR-787, ISR-TR-95-88) Human Computer Interaction Laboratory, Center for Automation Research, Institute for Systems Research, Dept. of Computer Science, Univ. of Maryland,
Ajit J. Vanniamparampil. Ben Shneiderman. Catherine Plaisant. Anne Rose. February 1995.
User Interface Reengineering: A Diagnostic Approach. User interface technology has advanced rapidly in recent years. Incorporating new developments in existing systems could result in substantial improvements in usability, thereby improving performance and user satisfaction, while shortening training an d reducing error rates. Our focus is on low-effort high-payoff improvements to aspects such as data display and entry, consistency, messages, documentation, and system access. This paper provides guidelines for managers and designers responsible for use r interface reengineering, based on the experience we gained from six projects, and compiles our observations, recommendations and outcomes. (Also cross-referenced as CAR-TR-767) Human-Computer Interaction Laboratory, Center for Automation Research, Dept. of Computer Science, Univ. of Maryland, College of Business and Management,
Anne Rose. Ben Shneiderman. Catherine Plaisant. February 1995.
Using Ethnographic Methods in the Redesign of User Interfaces. Methods for observing software users in the workplace will become increasingly important as the number of people using computers grows and developers improve existing systems. Successful redesigns rely, in part, on complete and accurate evaluations of the existing systems. Based on our evaluation experience, we have derived a set of practical guidelines to be used by designers in preparing for the evaluation, performing the field study, analyzing the data, and reporting the findings. By providing a general framework based on ethnographic research, we hope to reduce the likelihood of some common problems, such as overlooking important information and misinterpreting observations. Examples from our ongoing work with the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services are used to illustrate the proposed guidelines. (Also cross-referenced as CAR-TR-765) Human-Computer Interaction Laboratory, Center for Automation Research, Dept. of Computer Science, Univ. of Maryland,
Last Generated Fri Aug 11 04:01:01 EDT 2000