User-interface aspects in recognizing connected-cursive handwriting

There are at least two major stumbling blocks for user acceptance of pen-based computers: the recognition performance is not good enough, especially on cursive handwriting; and the user interface technology has not reached a mature stage. The initial reaction of product reviewers and potential user groups to pen-based computers varies. The realistic assessment is that this is a technology with a large potential, but still too brittle for serious real-world use. The author focuses on user interface aspects of handwriting recognition systems. Various reasons for errors in such systems are outlined. Possible solutions which involve user interface design are given: constrain the writer; give the writer more control; improve the recovery from error; clarify to the user what is going on; and give up the paper metaphor