Abstract
This thesis investigates the use of tools, specifically software tools, in the design of user interfaces. Based on an analysis of the design process and
existing tools, it digests a set of guidelines for the creation of such tools.
Two relevant tools for the design of physical interactions are proposed as
a consequence, one for the early stage of sketching, the other for the later
stage of production.
Software tools for design have a long and successful history, with broad
support for nearly every design discipline. This thesis argues that a successful
“design tool design” requires a thorough understanding of the process
and activities the designers are involved in. Based on this understanding
and a survey of existing tools for the discipline of interaction design, a set
of guidelines is established. The three main principles of creativity, craftsmanship,
and practicability attempt to harmonize findings from research
and commercial applications.
Finally, this thesis contributes two new tools to the young domain of
physical interaction design. Both fill important gaps in adequate tool support.
Sketchbook provides assistance in the early conceptual and sketching
phases, bringing structure and interactivity to physical sketches. Its
informal approach lets the designer gradually evolve his ideas, to the stage
where they can be directly fed into electronic prototyping toolkits.
Fritzing enables designers to bring their prototypes to a higher level of
fidelity. With little technical knowledge, they can turn their breadboardbased
electronics into professionally produced PCBs and move one step
further to self-production. Fritzing also makes documentation and sharing
for the first time feasible for designers, providing a potential creativity
boost to the community.
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