Systematic design of interactive illustration techniques for user guidance in virtual environments

Abstract

A usability-centred design approach is critically important for content development of virtual environments in real-world applications. We provide a framework that allows one to review existing design techniques and tools against the special requirements of virtual environments, so that appropriate methods can be selected. Focusing on the specific usability requirement of interaction guidance in presentation and instructional environments and its implementation through interactive illustration techniques, we demonstrate the use of the framework. Based on the specific requirements, we derive a suitable design process for interactive illustration techniques and identify appropriate techniques from multimedia and GUI design. The use of the design process and techniques is then illustrated with an example.