Aesthetics of computation : unveiling the visual machine

This thesis presents a new paradigm for the design of visual programming languages, with the goal of making computation visible and, in turn, more accessible. The Visual Machine Model emphasizes the need for clear visual representations of both machines and materials, and the importance of continuity. Five dynamic visual programming languages were designed and implemented according to the specification of the Visual Machine Model. In addition to individual analysis, a comparative evaluation of all five design experiments is conducted with respect to several ease of use metrics and Visual Machine qualities. While formal user tests have not been conducted, preliminary results from general user experiences indicate that being able to see and interact with computation does enhance the programming process.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Architecture. Program in Media Arts and Sciences.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2001

Author dc:creator

• Schiffman, Jared (Jared Michael), 1976-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• John Maeda.

• Architecture. Program in Media Arts and Sciences.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/31103

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/31103