Last modified on March 21, 1995

Pict System

Features:

• Developed at the University of Washington
• emphasis is to provide a "programming" facility in which computer graphics plays a central role
• with the execution of numerals and short help messages, users rely totally on nontextual symbols
• Uses simple forms of animation to make the drawing "come to life"
• Icons are essential language elements and play a central role

Xerox Star System

Background:

• Forerunner of the iconic system
• Visual environment without programming
• Rated highly in terms of extent of visual expressions
• rated low on the language level

Features:

• Uses icons and pointing devices as a means to communicate with the computer
• Applies the users familiarity with office objects to the new siutation of the computer