A virtual environment task-analysis tool for the creation of virtual art exhibits

This paper describes the creation of a hypothetical virtual art exhibit usi ng a virtual environment task analysis tool. The Virtual Environment Task A nalysis Tool (VETAT-ART) is a paper-and-pencil tool developed to provide st ructure and guidance to the needs-analysis process that is essential to the development of lifelike virtual exhibits. To illustrate its potential usef ulness, VETAT-ART is applied to the design of a historical art exhibit. The first part of the article draws a general profile of our sample applicatio n. It introduces organizational-, user-, and task-related factors typically collected when designing or modifying most computer-based systems. The sec ond part of the paper presents the user and task requirements unique to the creation of a virtual environment. Task requirements determine the content s of various storyboards and draw the architecture of the environment. Stor yboards describe the images, sounds, sensations, and scents to be found in individual galleries. The architecture establishes a sensible order in whic h the galleries may be accessed. User requirements determine the human sens ory, cognitive, and ergonomic needs relevant to the key activities museum v isitors are expected to perform. Activities include visualization and inspe ction, exploration, and the manipulation of virtual artifacts. Eight goal-c ategories define user requirements. Visual, auditory, and haptic requiremen ts are determined by human-sensory issues. Features relevant to memory capa city, information load, and mental models describe cognitive issues. Physic al and physiological considerations are determined by human ergonomics. The third section of the paper suggests usability goals and possible measures of success. In conclusion, limitations and potential extensions of the tool are discussed.