Title :
Reduction of Cognitive Load Through the Addition of High-Level Semantics to ReactoGraph
Author :
Gauvin, Simon ; Smedley, Trevor
Author_Institution :
Fac. of Comput. Sci., Dalhousie Univ., Halifax, NS
Abstract :
This research studies usability problems in ReactoGraph, a visual programming language designed to simplify the development of graphical user interfaces. Its design incorporates concrete representations of interface controls and behavior but suffers from complexity in defining message passing, inter-component data flow, and event handling. We attempt to further simplify the use of ReactoGraph by considering effects of tool design on cognitive abilities and introduce three high-level semantic additions to the language. We describe these in the context of cognitive load and discuss results of a small user study that shows promise in their effectiveness
Keywords :
graphical user interfaces; programming language semantics; visual languages; ReactoGraph; cognitive ability; cognitive load reduction; event handling; graphical user interfaces; high-level semantics; inter-component data flow; interface controls; message passing; tool design; usability problems; visual programming language; Humans;
Conference_Titel :
Visual Languages and Human Centric Computing, 2004 IEEE Symposium on
Conference_Location :
Rome
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-8696-5
DOI :
10.1109/VLHCC.2004.43
