Semantic traits of graphical interfaces to support human scheduling

Three semantic traits are considered central in the design of interfaces for scheduling: (1) expressive richness, (2) dependency constraints and (3) global homogeneity. These traits are exploited by diagrammatic representations that ´structurally integrate´ systems of domain relations through analogous systems of diagrammatic relations. These traits are discussed in relation to ROLLOUT - a prototype representational system for bakery planning and scheduling. This article provides a semantic evaluation of ROLLOUT in terms of these representational traits and proposes explanations of how these traits lead to increased cognitive support in scheduling activities.