DEBBIE: a configurable user interface for CAD frameworks

The requirements for CAD framework user interfaces and the implementation of the DEBBIE user interface system in the HILDA CAD framework environment are discussed. By using DEBBIE designers are allowed to work on a conceptual level, free from data/tool management, to do creative design work. Many design tasks are automated to speed up the design processes. With a configurable user interface, designers can make the system look/act the way they want it to instead of trying to learn what the system forces on them. By allowing them easy integration and activation of tools, designers can pick and choose the best design tools available without worrying about compatibility of different tools. With standard tool interface programs, designers also spend much less time learning to use new tools. An overview of DEBBIE and general requirements of user interface for CAD frameworks are presented