Modes of Communication

If this interface is used to its maximum ability, all five modes of communication can be utilized. Click here to learn more about the modes of communication.

Linguistic

The maps clearly label physical and political characteristics, depending on the map a user chooses such as bodies of water, mountains, cities, and state boundaries.

Descriptions can also be added to to each area, point, or path event to contribute to the linguistic aspect. These can be as simple as the one I have used below to label the intended flight path and the off-course path the Malaysian airline actually took along with specific times. On my scenario, I have also labeled the point where the airline was last seen, as well as the area where radar last tracked the plane.

Visual

The maps themselves are the most visual component of this interface. To add more appeal to scenarios, users can also pick colors for path and area events. Furthermore, icons can be used to represent events in scenarios. For my scenario, I colored each flight path a different color to distinguish the two. I also used airplane icons to represent the Malaysian airline. The icons can be any shape, color, or size depending on the preference of the user.

Aural

Soundtracks can be added to timeline events. These audio clips can be uploaded from a personal computer file or from Vimeo or YouTube.

Spatial

Users can control the spatial mode by precisely outlining where scenarios and specific events occur on the map. Here, path events are pointed in certain directions and icons are appropriately place where an event occurred. Some points also overlap to show a relationship.

Step 3 Cont.

Gestural

Paths events can be created with moving icons to demonstrate how something moved or changed overtime. This timeline bar shown is at the top of every scenario on the interface and moves as time elapses. Time can be controlled using key commands from arrows on a keyboard.