Visual metaphors: 3D interfaces for knowledge workers

Between 1984 and 1987 a team of researchers in the Human Interface Program at the Microelectronics and Computer Technology Corporation (MCC) investigated innovative ways of building and using 3D user interfaces and graphic realism to support knowledge workers. Their research included knowledge-based applications of 3D user interfaces such as SemNet and was principally focused on a user interface development environment which they called the Metaphor Builder. This suite of tools included a representation scheme called GrafBag, a 3D editor called Visage, and a model editor called GrabGraf. The authors validated these tools by building the Visual Office, a 3D environment for managing work contexts. This research was accomplished in an advanced development environment created by integrating a Lisp machine with a 3D display engine. The authors describe how the Visual Office was designed and implemented using components of the Metaphor Builder.<>