Illustrative Interfaces: Building Special-Purpose Interfaces with Art Techniques and Brain Science Findings

Abstract. Restricting the scope of a user interface allows designers to apply domain-specific and task-specific knowledge, making the interface itself an illustration of the process it is meant to control. Such interfaces may be more easily learned and understood, and perhaps more efficient. This position paper demonstrates how we might apply to interface design findings from the study of human information processing and behavior, from psychophysics to behavioral psychology. It also explores the rationale behind using techniques derived from the fine and graphic arts. It suggests a simplified model of the mind as a “designer’s checklist ” that might help interface designers take advantage of the power inherent in people’s ability to understand illustrations.