Demonstrational interfaces: A step beyond direct manipulation

Demonstrational interfaces, interfaces that let the user perform actions on concrete example objects while constructing an abstract program, thus letting the user create parameterized procedures and objects without learning a programming language, are discussed. The motivations for and problems associated with demonstrational interfaces are presented. A survey of the various types of interfaces is also presented. Areas that would benefit from demonstrational technology, including general-purpose programming, visualization, macros for direct-manipulation interfaces, drawing packages, text editing and formatting, and user interface development environments, are discussed. Research issues involving demonstrational interfaces are reviewed.<>