Information Spaces, Referat im Seminar "Next Generation Interfaces" ; Ralf Bähren, Mai 2003

Zoomable User Interface (PAD++)

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ABSTRACT: ZUI is the acronym for a Zooming User Interface, a new paradigm in User Interface design. It is based on the premise that navigation in an information space is best supported by tapping into our natural spatial and geographic way of thinking. The information space is represented by an infinite two-dimensional plane. A ZUI is also known as a Multi-Scale User Interface as it allows for scaling of an object on the workspace such that different levels of viewing reveals a greater or lesser magnitude of detail depending on the scale.

This metaphor is best explained by the example of a person reading a newspaper. The reader brings the paper closer to read an article in which he is interested. He draws the paper closer (zooms in) to focus on a particular article – it allows him to read the small print comfortably, while eliminating distractions in the surrounding environment. On the other hand, while searching for an article to read, he holds the paper further away (zooms out), so that the pages are easier to turn. The larger point sizes of article headings and sidebars facilitate this process. When translated to a user interface, the reader zooms in on an item of interest, and zooms out of it, to view a larger area of the world in order to find other items of interest. He can modify this view of the world by panning it in different directions.

Thus, ZUIs give end-users the ability to access and manage data content as if it were an image being viewed through the zoom lens of a camera. This is in strict contrast to the Windows metaphor that enables users to view a small part of data through a window. A ZUI uses human beings' inherent cognitive and spatial intuition by assigning a permanent geographic location to the objects on the workspace. This allows for an effective and efficient viewing of larger information spaces.

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Externe Links:

›› Pad++
Sitemap als ZUI

›› relevare.com
webseite mit ZUI Interface

›› Detaillierte Übersicht zum Thema ZUI