Developing Concept-Based User Interfaces for Scientific Computing
From our interactions with researchers from different scientific fields and disciplines, we have observed that scientists often describe and convey concepts, theories, processes, and results using basic graphs and diagrams. Semantic graphs such as these provide a universal language that all scientists may apply to document their scientific knowledge and to communicate this knowledge to others. Furthermore, studies have shown that the cognitive processing of complex subject matter is improved when the structure of ideas and concepts are made explicit [39] and that semantic graphs may serve as effective “scaffolds” for cognitive processing [29]. At Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, we are deploying semantic graphs within scientific computing systems as central user representations of scientific knowledge. These systems provide concept-based user interfaces that allow scientists to visually define and capture conceptual models of their scientific problems, hypotheses, theories, and processes. Once defined, the visual models then become interaction framework for accessing and applying scientific and computational resources and capabilities. In this paper, through the examination of three visual research systems, we illustrate different ways concept-based user interfaces and semantic graph knowledge representations may make scientific knowledge concrete, usable, shareable, and computable in scientific computing systems.
- Research Organization:
- Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 891742
- Report Number(s):
- PNNL-SA-48064; TRN: US200622%%211
- Journal Information:
- Computer, 39(9):26-34, Journal Name: Computer, 39(9):26-34
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
DIAGRAMS
COMPUTER GRAPHICS
INFORMATION DISSEMINATION
Concept-based user interfaces
intelligent user interfaces
semantic graphs
knowledge representations
visual programming
visual modeling
scientific workflow
scientific visualization
scientific computing.