REpresentational EPistemic Interface Design (REEP-ID) advocates exploiting the abstract structure of a target domain as the foundation for building cohesive diagrammatic representations. Previous research explored the application of this approach to the display and optimisation of solutions to complex, data rich, real world problems with promising results. This paper demonstrates the application of these principles to generate interactive visualisations for solving complex combinatorial optimisation problems, in this case the University Exam Timetabling Problem (ETP). Using the ETP as in example the principles of REEP-ID are applied, illustrating the design process and advantages of this methodology. This led to the implementation of the VAST (Visual Analysis and Scheduling for Timetables) application, enabling individuals to solve complete instances of the ETP using interactive visualisations. Rather than using automated heuristics or algorithms, VAST relies entirely on the user's problem solving abilities, applying their knowledge and perceptiveness to the interactive visualisations maintained by the computer. Results from an evaluation of VAST support the use of the REEP-ID methodology and the case for further research. In the closing discussion these findings are summarised together with implications for future designers.
History
Publication status
Published
ISSN
0302-9743
Publisher
SPRINGER-VERLAG BERLIN, HEIDELBERGER PLATZ 3, D-14197 BERLIN, GERMANY
Volume
5223
Pages
15.0
Presentation Type
paper
Event name
5th International Conference on Diagrammatic Representation and Inference
Event location
Herrsching, GERMANY
Event type
conference
ISBN
978-3-540-87729-5
Department affiliated with
Informatics Publications
Notes
Book Series: LECTURE NOTES IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE