Touchscreen Interfaces for Visual Languages

摘要

Through the construction of a simple mock visual programming language (VPL) editor, this study compares two different styles of touchscreen interface and demonstrates the natural fit between touch input and visual programming. The touchscreen removes a layer of indirection introduced by the mouse and allows for a more direct relationship—literally 'hands on"-with the objects on the screen. The addition of “multi-touch" also opens up intriguing possibilities for two-handed, immersive interfaces, with the potential for greater efficiencies than possible with the mouse's single point of interaction.