Interactivity | Becoming is Superior to Being

Exploring The World Of Interactive Graphics And User Interface Leave a comment

Non-Interactive Image of an Interactive graphic

Printed documents will always be available, but the sharing of information is fast-moving from a static picture/graphic state to an interactive state. As a blogger and learner, I regularly share static information that can generate interactive dialog. More and more I’m trying to share information that is in an interactive picture/graphic about “things” in a “people” way. The ease for which we are able to gather information and learn to use it depends greatly on the user interface — our ability to interact with the information.

As I explore the world of interactive graphics, there is so much I would like to share, but I understand that most may not share a similar interest. However, recently I crossed the path (in the form of his website) of Bret Victor — worrydream.com . The site contains so much of interest, kind of a “creativity junkie’s” one-stop-shop. If you want just a brief feel click here — “Unfinished animation for The Saltwater Room by Owl City.” But wait! Best not to get distracted from the purpose of this posting — user interface, more specifically, Victor’s new user interface for exploring dynamical systems.

A dynamical system is a set of variables and a set rules saying how those variables change over time. Those rules are called differential equations. The old dynamical system interface for differential equations uses equations, numerals, operators, and variables. Watch the video below to see how Victor’s new interface turns differential equations into something normal people can understand — seeing is believing!

kenne