Andrey Khavryuchenko himself

Information Software and the Graphical Interface

Magic Ink. Information Software and the Graphical Interface
by Bret Victor.

Long, but highly recommended reading.

# Software design consists of graphic design (drawing pictures) and industrial design (allowing for mechanical manipulation).

# Information software is for learning an internal model. Manipulation software is for creating an external model. Communication software is for communicating a shared model.

# Manipulation software design is hard, but most software is information software.

# Information software design is the design of context-sensitive information graphics. Information software is not a machine, but a medium for visual communication.

# Context can be inferred from the environment, which can include physical sensors, other information software, documents created with manipulation software, and data such as email which acts as a user profile.

# Context can be inferred from a history of past environments and interactions. Last-value predictors provide a rudimentary approach. Learning predictors can infer patterns and make dynamic predictions.

# Context can be inferred from user interaction, but only as a last resort. The best way to reduce or eliminate interaction is through information-rich graphic design that uses the environment and history. Remaining interaction can be reduced with graphical manipulation, relative navigation, and tight feedback loops.