Refrigeration Systems Design using an Analogue input/output Computer Interface.

Designing with the aid of a computer has traditionally presented the user with an interaction in which user and computer domains are clearly designated. In this case the computer interface presents a barrier to intuitive problem solving as opposed to a portal through which the solution space may be explored. The exploratory facility of the proposed interface is provided via a set of interdependent, animated graphs manipulated by external analogue control. The context of the interface is that of refrigeration systems design. The user is supplied with a context rich visual environment based on traditional methods of refrigeration component balancing in which the user’s mental model of the problem domain is supported giving rise to an intuitive approach to refrigeration systems design. Evaluation of the interface using current HCI methodologies showed a preference for the interface and production of improved designs when compared to paper component balancing. With domain experts a clear pattern of iterative design was discernible.