Symmetric patterns are more appealing to human observers than asymmetric ones. Here, we investigate the visual information processing mechanisms underlying this aesthetic preference. All stimuli were derived from phase scrambled versions of forty face or nature images. In addition to the scrambled images, there were four other types of test image: symmetric, in which one part of the image was a...

The importance of sharing designer’s intention (socalled design rationale, DR) is widely recognized. This paper focuses on modeling DR of supplementary functions which prevent undesirable states of a required function (e.g., malfunctions). Although they do not essentially contribute to the achievement of the required function, they play an important role in design and design improvement of arti...

The boundaries and work processes for how virtual teams interact are undergoing changes, from a tool and stand-alone application orientation, to the use of multiple generic platforms chosen and redesigned to the specific context. These are often at the same time designed both by professional software developers and the individual members of the virtual teams, rather than determined on a single ...

In a paper submitted previously, the author argued that a new AES evaluation criterion of future resiliency be added, defined as the ability to respond to the uncertain future and that this criterion could best be met by NIST selecting multiple disparate AES winners. This paper continues that discussion by providing more rationale. It also asks some questions and explores possible outcomes of t...

In the style of a polemic discursive essay, Antiusability (also known as Schwierigkeit) is introduced as a radical design paradigm to reawaken dedicated awareness of the usersystem interface through challenge. A philosophical work in flux, it is described as a kind of science (or logic) of difficulty with an underpinning that promotes the generic greater good in usability per se.

This paper reports on educational outcomes from a project conducted at the University of Newcastle with Chemical Engineering students using computer assisted design (CAD) software. A number of curriculum decisions were made to improve the learning outcomes for students and to increase their productivity. The project involved curriculum change encompassing the considerations of technology, conte...

This paper studies the effects of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the school environment on educational achievement. To quantify these effects, the impact is evaluated of a project run by the municipality of Guayaquil, Ecuador, which provides computer-aided instruction in mathematics and language to students in primary schools. Using an experimental design, it is found that ...

Cell libraries often contain a simulation model in a system design language, such as Verilog. These languages usually involve nondeterminism, which in turn, poses a challenge to their validation. Simulators often resolve such problems by using certain rules to make the specification deterministic. This however is not justified by the behavior of the hardware that is to be modeled. Hence, simula...

The rationale behind this study is to determine the level and relationship between Quality of Work Life (QWL) and Mental Health among teaching professionals in higher learning institutions of Tamilnadu, India. A survey instrument was used to measure the perception of teaching professionals concerning their level of QWL and its relationship to mental health. A total of 320 sets of questionnaire ...

A computerized test successfully complements and enhances traditional methods for the assessment of knowledge. This article introduces a simulation model of computerized testing of learning success that is complementary to the existing methods used for knowledge evaluation. The simulation model combines possibilities of computerized testing with mathematical rationale in examiner’s decision-mak...