Journal for Geometry and Graphics 10 (2006), No. 1, 115--124
Copyright Heldermann Verlag 2006
RISKO, an Educational Geometry Drawing Software With an Innovative Interface
Eduardo Toledo Santos
Escola Politécnica, University of São Paulo, Av Prof Alm Prado trav 2 n 83, 05508-900 São Paulo, Brazil
eduardo.toledo@poli.usp.br
Leandro Lourenzoni
Escola Politécnica, University of São Paulo, Av Prof Alm Prado trav 2 n 83, 05508-900 São Paulo, Brazil
André Luís Lima de Oliveira
Escola Politécnica, University of São Paulo, Av Prof Alm Prado trav 2 n 83, 05508-900 São Paulo, Brazil
The traditional interfaces used in most graphical software have many shortcomings when applied to drawing programs in the context of geometry instruction. Among them are: High complexity, availability of shortcuts to solve problems that the student is supposed to construct by geometry; and none resemblance to real drawing instruments, preventing the student from learning how to properly handle them. A new interface for an educational geometry drawing software called RISKO was designed to mitigate these problems and is presented in this paper. Following a pure Direct Manipulation paradigm and using a concrete, real-world metaphor style, this new interface features drawing tools (drafting triangles, compass, pencil), which behave almost like their real counterparts. Due to its characteristics, the proposed interface is intended to be very intuitive so that it does not require any operating instructions to the user and has no error messages. Also, it is able to support all compass-and-ruler geometric constructions, while training the apprentice in the proper methods for handling real drawing instruments.
Keywords: Graphical user interfaces, real world metaphor, educational software, geometry, drawing software.
MSC: 51M04
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