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Difficulties with the novices' comprehension of the computer-aided design (CAD) interface: Understanding visual representations of CAD tools

Visual representations of interfaces can affect users' abilities to comprehend the potential of their tools. Misunderstanding of the elements of the graphic user interface, such as icons, toolbars, dialogues and cursors, can become a barrier to an effective work. Software with the most complicated interface structures, such as computer-aided design (CAD) applications, may be possibly misused unless its visual elements are comprehensible. Designers' expectations can play a great role in comprehension of CAD tools. For that reason it is necessary to investigate users' needs to build a CAD interface reflecting the nature of how CAD users work. The paper presents the results of two experiments, carried out on the Faculty of Architecture, Technical University of Bialystok: forms with MicroStation® graphic user interface elements were presented to students who were asked to write about their perception of icons. The primary objectives of the experiments were to find out the beginners' awareness and expectations concerning CAD software, and to measure their discernment in using visual representations of CAD tools. Some ideas about shaping the structure of the graphic user interface were considered, such as selecting the interface background and the working commands . Results of the investigation can be applied to CAD development and to the field of human-computer interaction.