Exploring graphical user interfaces and interaction strategies in simulations

Abstract

Simulations are capable of replicating complex systems using a set of determined rules and variables. However, many people are still unable to understand the results from scientific computer simulations, as they can be quite abstract. Current use of 3D graphics in games and virtual environments can facilitate new innovations and perceived affordances for interacting with simulations, therefore user interfaces could be upgraded with these functionalities to create interfaces with a high level of usability for users with or without expertise in the simulated content, particularly in education of traditionally complex areas. A proposed artefact with a new user interface for scientific simulations was developed to explore its possible acceptance and benefits to users. The new user interface was user evaluated against a control that was built to mimic the most common features of a traditional simulation interface. Analyses of the evaluations indicate that the modern approach was successful. Users felt the modern interface was more engaging, more efficient and was aesthetically preferred compared to the traditional user interface. This was mainly due to the extensive use of the direct manipulation idiom in the modern interface which improved ease of use and allowed direct interaction with the output display. With additional research into the area of direct manipulation, further interactions and user interfaces can possibly be developed to improve the usability and user experience of scientific simulations.