The computer's role in sketch design:a transparent sketching medium

摘要

Starting from an analysis of the current unsuitability of computers for sketching,three key requirements are identified,in particular the notion that re-drawing or over-drawing are more important than editing and trweaking.These requirements are encapsulated in the broad concept of Transparency,understood both literally and metaphorically.Two experiemtns in implementing aspects of Transparency are described.One subverts the Macintosh window manager to provide windows with variable transparency,so that tracing between applications becomes a practical possibility.the otehr implements a graphical interface that requries no no-screen palettes or sliders to control it,allowing uninterrupted concentration on the design in hand.User tests show that the tool can be learnt quickly,is engaging to use,and most importantly,has character.