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From: greenberg@calgary.UUCP (Saul Greenberg)
Newsgroups: net.cog-eng
Subject: Iconic interfaces for office systems based on video games
Message-ID: <549@calgary.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 12-Nov-85 12:21:18 EST
Article-I.D.: calgary.549
Posted: Tue Nov 12 12:21:18 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 13-Nov-85 18:56:42 EST
Distribution: net
Organization: University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta
Lines: 54


      Iconic interfaces for office systems based on video-games

                Saul Greenberg and Roy Masrani
		Man-Machine Systems Laboratory
		University of Calgary, Canada

Abstract: Although users are enthusiastic about modern icon-based
interfaces using direct-manipulation principles (Shneiderman, 1983), we
argue that their full potential has not yet been realized. Specifically,
certain aspects of video-games are mergeable with conventional icon
systems (Malone, 1982), providing "players" with an exciting way of
getting their work done.

We have developed the WAP system (Work And Play) at our lab to test our
ideas. Icons are used as in standard systems, however icon manipulation
has an exciting video-game flavour providing an action-packed session.
For example, the passive trash-can is discarded and replaced with a
sophisticated lazer weapon icon. The "player" may aim the
weapon at a file and attempt to destroy it. Of course the file will take
evasive action, using other files as camouflage if necessary. To add an
element of risk, shooting the wrong file destroys it too.

After considerable experimentation, we found that a statistically
significant (p = .0001) number of subjects had poor aiming skills,
resulting in the loss of many years' work and corporate displeasure (Ed.
note: luckily we were able to salvage this abstract). To compensate, a
"God" Icon (introduced to the current WAP generation) is able to
re-incarnate dead files or to create new ones. In keeping with the
gaming spirit, a robust natural language interface uses "praying"
scripts (Schank & Abelson, 1977) to give users an opportunity to convince 
God to restore their files. Proper user interface techniques, of course,
dictate that the God icon has a complete representation of the user and
may decide to shoot a lightning bolt at him/her (which re-initializes
the disc). We are now experimenting with a Devil icon as a counter-measure.

AI techniques will make mouse selections more challenging. Using complex
knowledge-bases, Icons will evade their selection. When "caught", icons
will be pierced by an arrow and squirm in agony. Of course, appropriate
sound effects are provided.

We have been experimenting with the system for the past 11 months. We
found that productivity has improved dramatically, as measured by login
hours. Unfortunately, funding is running low and we are searching for 
sponsors.

References:
Malone, T. (1983) "Heuristics for designing enjoyable user interfaces: lessons 
  from computer games"  Proceedings of human factors in computer systems 
  (SIGCHI), Gaithersburg, Maryland
Schank, R. & Abelson, R. (1977) "Scripts, plans, goals and understanding"
  Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc., Hillsdale, New Jersey
Shneiderman, B. (1983) "Direct manipulation: A step beyond programming 
  languages" IEEE Computer, 16(8)