desktops

[seele@obso1337.org]

Hmm..

I think the current application of computers is making the 'desktop'
metaphor weaker.  The metaphor was originally proposed because the
computer was a work station, and originally marketed as an office
computer, not recreation (think Xerox Star).  Now computers are often used
as a gateway to information and virtual communities (usually with the
younger generations) and it would be interesting to see an alternate
metaphor designed for that kind of interaction.

It would be interesting to see what other types of desktop models are
being developed, and how effective they are on users.  Interesting
execution would be semantic maps, user-adapted systems, new information
visualization styles, additional dimensions, alternate metaphors, etc.

Just from scrounging around for research for my own projects, I would like
to see more work on would be more user feedback and evalutation of these
new interfaces than interface proposals.  Things like measurements of
learnability, memorability, satsifaction, and affect of new desktop and
interface concepts which break away from the desktop/folder metaphors.

My five ideas:

* user-adaptive (intelligent system which learns the user)
* input devices other than keyboard and mouse
* a more open and manipulative 'desktop' than the flat backround and
shortcuts we use now
* alternate display methods such as 3 dimentions, virtual reality
* information visualization advances to help deal with info-overload and
searching (semantically, visually, etc)

I think by seperating user models (information-cultured vs. office-worker)
a new type of environment will be created.

-- Celeste

> Hi Celeste,
>
> do you have a kind of list of "top-5 ideas" for a new desktop? I am just
> delving into this subject again and am looking for research about ideas,
> like semantic maps, etc.
>
> Tx,
> Jan
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