Doi: 10.1145/1785414.1785436

Interactive computer graphics would rival
word-processing and presentation programs
for everyday communications.
BY taKeo iGaRashi
computer
Graphics
for all

CoMpUTer GraphiCs is a commodity. Sophisticated computer-generated imagery is everywhere— feature films, TV programs, video games, even cellphones—but most of it is created by professionals. Few people actually create computer graphics in their daily lives because most authoring tools are designed for professionals or dedicated amateurs following intensive training. This is unfortunate, because computer graphics could be a powerful communication tool for everyone.

 

Consider desktop publishing. Centuries ago, only a small number of professionals worked in the printing industry. When computer-based printing emerged as an alternative in the late 20th century, it, too, was initially limited to professionals. However, the widespread use of personal computers and easy-to-use graphical user interfaces quickly made high-quality printing accessible to the general public. Today, just about everyone uses word processors on a daily basis to create documents that communicate ideas to friends and colleagues. Computer graphics has not yet achieved such mass-market appeal.

Unlike with traditional physical me-
dia, consumers today create electronic
content to share through the Internet.
Most media are still text-based, as with
email, blogs, and Twitter, but more
and more include images, videos, ani-
mations, and other multimedia con-

key;insights

computer-graphics authoring should be accessible to the general public. Designing these systems starts with what is natural to humans rather than what is natural to a computer.

most traditional research focuses on experts’ high-end use of technology; here, our main target is the casual use of technology by nonprofessionals.