Automatic Design of Efficient Visual Problem Representations

Automated reasoning about the design of effective visual problem representations is possible when we adopt the view that visual problem representations, along with the perceptual procedures that humans use to manipulate them, can be described using information-processing models of the sort introduced by Newell and Simon (1972). This approach provides us not only with a means of characterizing visual problem representations in a formal syntax but also with a means of automatically mapping between logical and perceptual problem representations and procedures. An automated system called BOZ is described that begins with a logical problem representations and solution procedure, and generates an informationally-equivalent visual problem representation and procedure that allows the human user to obtain the solution more efficiently. BOZ's representation mapping technique proceeds by: (1 ) replacing demanding logical inferences in the solution procedure with efficient perceptual inferences; and (2) structuring information in the visual representation such that search is minimized. The extent to which the visual representations and procedures produced by BOZ agree with what users actually see and do is discussed. Logical and Visual Problem Representations Logical and visual representations of an airline reservation problem are compared to illustrate the advantages offered by visual problem representations, and to show how both logical and visual problem representations can be characterized using the same sort of informationprocessing model. Logical Problem Representations A logical problem representation includes a set of logical facts along with a logical procedure that operates on the facts to solve a stated problem. Figure 1 shows a logical representation for an airline reservation problem posed as follows: Find a pair of connecting flights that travel from Pittsburgh to Mexico City. You are free to choose any intermediate city as long as the layover in that city is no more than four hours. Both flights that you choose must be available. The combined cost of the flights cannot