Research on 3D software user interface design

How to define user requirements accurately and design user interface appropriately have been a very active research area concerned with human-computer interaction and graphic design. Because of the scale and the complexity of three-dimensional (3D) animation software, making correct design decisions becomes tougher. Houdini is a 3D animation software as well as the main product of Side Effects. Using 3D animation software is always very challenge for users. It requires longer learning curves as well as interdisciplinary knowledge. With the increase of usage time, users become familiar with the functions and layout of Houdini and they turns out to be expert users. On the other hand, the apprentice users may carry experience from other 3D animation software or have no experience with any similar software. The conflicts between expert users and apprentice users emerge from the different requirements and expectation of Houdini. This research project will help Houdini to setup a standard design process including collecting data, extracting user requirements and making design decisions.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Eugene Fiume

Student:

Shuyuan Ma

Partner:

Side Effects Software

Discipline:

Computer science

Sector:

Information and communications technologies

University:

University of Toronto