An object-oriented construction and tool kit for human-computer communication

Abstract

Over the last several years, we have developed an object-oriented, knowledge-based construction kit for human-computer communication (HCC) and a large number of associated tools and intelligent support systems needed to exploit this kit effectively. Answers to the "HCC design question" are given by providing appropriate building blocks which suggest the way HCC's should be built. The object-oriented system architecture is highly flexible and enhances the reusability of many building blocks. In designing new HCC capabilities the designer can use either existing objects or objects with minor modifications, and can thereby rely on standard and well-tested components. Our support tools analyze HCC systems, provide assistance and guidance in building them, and create informative graphical displays of their structure. They help the designer regain control over systems that have become too complex to master without support tools. Our research efforts have given us an understanding of how the concepts and abstractions of our HCC toolkit have evolved and of what it means today to design new systems that make use of various types of graphical representations, icons, windows, and menus.