Toward replicating handmade algorithm visualization behaviors in a digital environment: a pre-study

Authors:
Ming-Han Lee;Guido Rößling
Affiliations:
TU Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany;TU Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
Venue:
Proceedings of the 16th annual joint conference on Innovation and technology in computer science education
Year:
2011

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Abstract

Low fidelity algorithm visualizations (AV) made manually using simple art supplies are believed to have several pedagogical advantages over high fidelity visualizations generated by computer. Our research thus aims to introduce the kind of paper-and-pen, handmade AV construction experience into a computer-based environment. We videotaped ten students constructing handmade visualizations of their chosen algorithms to determine user behaviors we need to translate into an AV system. Eight key operational behaviors are identified, which leads to further derived operational behaviors. Based on the pre-study, we propose three new lo-fi AV design requirements. Implementation of a browser-based AV system that supports these operational behaviors and meets these design requirements is underway.