Using Hybrid Heuristic Evaluation Method to Uncover the Conceptual Design Tasks Supported by a Holographic Display Based Truly 3D Virtual Design Environment

Author(s):  
Eliab Z. Opiyo ◽  
Imre Horva´th

In the research reported in this paper, we investigated if a holographic display based truly 3D virtual design environment can effectively support 3D conceptual design. In this investigation, we applied heuristic evaluation method (Nielsen and Mack, 1994), but with some differences. We first conducted a literature study and compiled a comprehensive list of conceptual design tasks. We then asked selected experts to evaluate the experimental system and to indicate which conceptual design tasks can be supported. The experimental 3D design support environment consisted of a holographic display as a primary visualization device. In this experimental system, visual representation of information is presented aerially by using the holographic display, and viewers can interact with the displayed images by using the traditional input devices such as mouse and keyboard. The study established that this system can support only a handful of conceptual design tasks, in particular those requiring passive visualization such as review of the ergonomics of the product and aesthetics review. Other conceptual design tasks can be supported either partially or are not supported at all. This can be attributed in part to the shortcomings of the display, which include, for instance, poor resolution, inability of viewers to experience stereoscopic view all around the virtual object, lack of mechanism for enabling direct interaction between the viewer and the displayed virtual object, and lack of proper input mechanisms and user interfaces.

Author(s):  
Jonathan S. Colton ◽  
Mark P. Ouellette

Abstract This paper presents a summary of research into the development and implementation of a domain independent, computer-based model for the conceptual design of complex mechanical systems (Ouellette, 1992). The creation of such a design model includes the integration of four major concepts: (1) The use of a graphical display for visualizing the conceptual design attributes; (2) The proper representation of the complex data and diverse knowledge required to design the system; (3) The integration of quality design methods into the conceptual design; and (4) The modeling of the conceptual design process as a mapping between functions and forms. Using the design of an automobile as a case study, a design environment was created which consisted of a distributed problem solving paradigm and a parametric graphical display. The requirements of the design problem with respect to data representation and design processing were evaluated and a process model was specified. The resulting vehicle design system consists of a tight integration between a blackboard system and a parametric design system. The completed system allows a designer to view graphical representations of the candidate conceptual designs that the blackboard system generates.


2009 ◽  
Vol 101 (1) ◽  
pp. 283-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jörn Diedrichsen ◽  
Samantha Gush

We show that fast bimanual coordinative feedback responses can be reversed with changes in task goals. Participants moved a flexible virtual object across a finish line with an upward movement of both hands. In one condition, the middle of the object had to be aligned with a spatial goal at the end of the movement. In the second condition, the object had to be kept at a specific length. During the movement, a velocity-dependent force field was applied randomly to one of the hands to the left or to the right. Depending on the task condition, the unperturbed hand showed fast feedback corrections, either in or against the direction of the force field on the other hand. In the object-length condition we found evidence for a mixture of task goals: early in the movement the correction of the unperturbed hand was aimed at stabilizing object length; later in the movement, the correction reversed direction to reach a symmetric body posture in the end of the movement. The observed differences in feedback responses between task conditions also influenced the covariance structure of unperturbed movements and the adaptation when a specific force field was applied repeatedly to one of the hands. The results are congruent with the notion that coordination is established flexibly through a representation of the task-relevant controlled variables, rather than through a direct interaction between motor commands.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gustav Petersen ◽  
Jakob Hyldig Nielsen ◽  
Johannes Verner Olsen ◽  
Robin Niels Kok

Background: Even though problems with usability constitute a major challenge to the implementation of new eHealth technology, the field web-based interventions is lacking usability guidelines for development and evaluation of web-based intervention platforms. Objective: The aim of present study is to create a set of eHealth-specific usability guidelines for the development and evaluation of web-based mental health interventions. Methods: Knowledge about usability was gathered from peripheral fields of e-learning, emotional design, and human-computer interaction in a top-down approach. This knowledge was synthesized into usability guidelines for web-based interventions, which were then case-tested on an existing web-based intervention for patients with health anxiety, using the heuristic evaluation method. Results: Nine broad guidelines were developed. The subsequent case-test of the web-based intervention showed that application of the guidelines was feasible and was able to identify several important usability issues with the intervention. Conclusions: Health professionals should be included in intervention design. Future usability assessment should focus on the different usability attributes. The relationship between usability and adherence needs further investigation.


1969 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 424-430 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasukazu Tanaka

With pinacyanol as the supravital stain, a preferential effect on mitochondria of KB cells was achieved by the irradiation with the ruby laser beam. The observation confirmed the results of other workers using janus green B in the same experimental system. The preferential effect on mitochondria was noted in the area extending 8–10 µ beyond the nonpreferential damage of 4–5 µ in diameter. The opaque material associated with mitochondria possibly represented coagulated protein. The effect involved cristae mitochondriales without severe disarrangement of their structure. The opaque material could be interpreted as the result of direct interaction between mitochondria and the laser beam, even though the mitochondria were noted outside of the previously estimated focal spot size of about 3 µ Within the thickness of 2–4 µ of monolayered cells, larger areas of damage can be accounted for by divergence of the beam which is focused by a microscope objective of very short focal length. A threshold of biologic effectiveness is probably also involved.


Author(s):  
Tayana Conte ◽  
Verônica T. Vaz ◽  
Jobson Massolar ◽  
Andrew Bott ◽  
Emilia Mendes ◽  
...  

This chapter presents the WDP (Web Design Perspectives-based Usability Evaluation), an inspection technique specifically designed to assess the usability of Web applications. This technique combines Web design perspectives and the heuristic evaluation method proposed by Nielsen (1994b). In addition to describing the components of the WDP technique this chapter also illustrates its use in practice by means of an industrial case study where the technique is applied to inspect a real Web application. In this case study, developers and requirement assessment staff applied the WDP technique to evaluate the usability of modules developed from scratch for a Web application. The results of this case study indicate the feasibility of performing usability inspections with the participation of a software project’s stakeholders, even when stakeholders are not usability experts.


Author(s):  
Yuan Mao Huang ◽  
Chung-Cheng Liao

Abstract This study proposes an evaluation method that integrates the existing ordinal, cardinal and matrix methods for decision making. Normalized values are recommended for the pairwise comparisons of evaluation items to determine the weighting factors. These values also assist in determining the weighting eigenvectors for alternatives of the potential products. Web diagrams are generated for all alternatives and their areas are compared to identify the most preferred one. The proposed method can reduce drawbacks of the Pahl and Beitz method and the Saaty method when the two most preferred alternatives have the same summed weighted values in the Pahl and Beitz method or the same composite weighting factors in the Saaty method.


Author(s):  
Raffaele Bedini ◽  
Giovanni Tani ◽  
Alessandro Fortunato ◽  
Gabriele Goti ◽  
Claudio Mantega

To allow easy and fast interaction between the simulation modules developed by the authors in a Virtual Design environment and the data bases set up in the past by an Italian manufacturer for the traditional design of Machining Centers for High Speed Milling, a graphic interface was created. The work was done utilising advanced features of Matlab suitable, through Microsoft Windows assisted procedures, to extract from Microsoft Excel sheets all sensitive data regarding the machine-tool components, feeding the input module of the simulation package. In this way it is now possible to perform intensive simulation campaigns quickly and easily avoiding the very burdensome procedures demanded for the input to the simulation language. This graphic module also makes it possible to quickly present and compare the results of experimental tests with the outputs of simulation runs.


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2.28) ◽  
pp. 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Freddy Paz ◽  
Freddy A. Paz ◽  
José Antonio Pow-Sang ◽  
César Collazos

Heuristic evaluation is one of the most used techniques to evaluate the level of usability of a software product. In this research, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the recent studies which report the use of this method in the context of a software development process. The purpose was to identify the specific way in which each author performs this usability evaluation method, in order to propose a formal protocol. After an indeed examination of these studies, we have determined there are several differences in the way this technique is conducted according to the literature. There is no agreement about the number of inspectors that should participate, the usability principles that should be used, the profile of the specialists who must be part of the assessment team, or the evaluation process that should be followed. This work highlights the available settings and a detailed procedure to perform a heuristic evaluation in the domain of software products.  


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