A model-based design process for interactive virtual environments

Abstract

Nowadays, interactive systems are not limited to the desktop. On the one hand they are deployed onto handheld and embedded devices, and on the other hand they evolve into interactive virtual environments which are controlled by direct manipulation interaction techniques. However, the development of these virtual environment user interfaces is not a straightforward process and thus not easily accessible for non-programmers. In this paper, we envision a model-based design process for these highly interactive applications, in order to bridge the gap between the designer and the programmer of the application. The process is based on both requirements of model-based user interface developments processes, and virtual environment development tools and toolkits. To evaluate the envisioned approach, a tool was created that supports the described process, and a case study has been performed.