Supporting the Design of Web Sites Through Sketching

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D E N I M
James Lin Mark Newman Jason Hong James Landay
Informal User Interfaces
Supporting the Design of Web Sites Through
Sketching
DENIM
Observations of Web Design Practice
Informal user interfaces are designed to support
natural forms of human-computer interaction, such
as sketching and gesturing, without much upfront
recognition or transformation. We avoid
recognition so that users can concentrate on
their tasks without being interrupted. Input is
recognized and transformed only when the users
want it. With informal user interfaces, the
computer bends to peoples mode of interaction,
not the other way around.

• Geared towards pen-based interaction
• Sketch-based interface for quick iteration of
  ideas
• Can interact with your web site design through
  Run mode

• Based on field visits and interviews conducted
  with eleven professional designers at five sites

Canvas for sketching

• Designers create representations of sites at
  multiple levels of detail

Zoom slider
Toolbox

• Integrates multiple representations through
  zooming

Site Maps
Storyboards
Individual Pages
Site Map
Storyboard
Individual Page

• Designers sketch at every level to rapidly
  explore different ideas

Text Insert
HTML Export
Download DENIM

• Allows people without pens to type in text with
  keyboard

• Outputs sketched site as web pages
• Allows anyone to see and interact with DENIM
  designs

• http//guir.berkeley.edu/denim
• Written in Java (JDK 1.3)
• All source code available
• Over 2000 downloads
• Please give us feedback!