Animation and Continuity: Prerequisites for Intuitive Interaction

Abstract

A user's ability to approach a complex technical system intuitively depends on the proper design of the software (and hardware) structures representing its functional repertoire. If we learn to design and present the functionality of a technical product – or system – analog to some of the qualities of the “Real World”, we enable users to rely on their genetically predetermined or acquired behavioral inventory. Thus interfaces need not to be learned, they appear natural at the first glance. Essential design parameters are the principles of continuity and animation. This paper represents and illustrates the author's argument indicated in the title.