From: Sandy Ressler [sressler@nist.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, December 14, 1999 2:10 PM
To: 3D UI list
Subject: Intro and usability question

Hi folks...my name is Sandy Ressler and I've been lurking on the list for a
while and never had anything to say till now so hello ;-)
I run a small project at NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology)
which looks primarily at the use
of VRML for manufacturing applications. We also work with the Web3D Consortium
(keepers of th ISO VRML standard) and want to begin work on usability issues
for VRML. I was wondering if anyone had some good pointers to work dealing
with the static analysis of virtual environments (preferably for usability).

For examlpe say the input to a magic usablity program is a VRML file, the
output of this program is a set of warning or red flags about problems in the
file. Let's say that we determine that inclusion of viewpoins (specific set
locations in the VRML environment) are "good" for usability. If a VRML file
has none...that is flagged. One major issue is what are all the right
questions to ask? Further, is it possible to answer the questions with an
automated program?

any and all assistance and advice welcome ...criticism > /dev/null

Sandy
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NAME:   Sandy Ressler                                  TELE: (301) 975-3549
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