Camarón

Digital image technology is becoming pervasive. As this adoption
increases, users will face difficulties organizing and cataloging large numbers of images, integrating images from other sources, searching for particular images, sharing them with others, and so on. Sophisticated software packages have been developed to help users manage their images; however, initial user studies indicate that users experience considerable confusion performing common image management tasks with these tools. Our goal is to improve how people manage their images.

A key requirement for tools designed to explore a large number of artifacts is to reduce the user’s mental burden. That is, the tools should support cognition. Unfortunately, there is a lack of research into the cognitive support required to assist users in performing image management tasks. We are currently involved in extensive user studies aimed at investigating the cognitive support required in digital image management software to assist users in:

• performing desired tasks
• transitioning between tasks
• understanding the coordination of multiple views