User interfaces for computer-aided architectural design

Abstract

The rapidly developing technology of the twentieth century has transformed the general use of computers into a specific, convenient, and necessary tool for professionals. As in each profession, they are also used by architects. But, architects have some problems with the properties of user-computer interface that inherit from the times when computers were only used by computer professionals. Considering the architects professional needs and expectations, this thesis intends to avoid the unsatisfying results of this poor dialogue. After mentioning the development of human-computer interaction, the specific problems that a new user may face and the characteristics of a well designed interface are described. Although there are much more primitive action units performed by the user, the essential ones such as interaction tasks, the complementaries like controlling tasks that may be preferred by architects are examined. Different types of interaction techniques which respond to the various kinds of requirements of these tasks are explained, by identifying their advantages and disadvantages. In order to establish the architects’ intended goals, some formal specifications, standards and prototypes that are required by the increasing needs for communication, the access of information technology and the rising involvement of architects into the computer-aided technology, are identified. Gradually the evaluation of the interface is stated as a guidehne both for the architect who wants to use a software and the computer programmer who wants to write a software for the architects.