Direct+Manipulation

For those slightly more inept with technology, //direct manipulation// allows the user to interact at a simpler level with the, quite often intimidating, computer system. **Through this physical interaction, the user can visually see and understand their actions towards the operating system**. In other words, things like clicking, dragging, resizing, cropping, etc. rather than typing commands.

This concept, developed by Schneiderman (1983), gives an alternative to typing in complex code and script by using visual (direct) manipulation of the virtual object. Direct manipulation **allows the user to see the progress of steps that unfold because of his/her actions**, avoiding errors that are common in type commands. This makes using the computer a less daunting task, giving the user a chance to explore and learn at a faster pace.

An example used by Jennifer Golbeck, is the trash on the desktop. She points out, "the user can see the trash and the files or folders they want to move to the trash. They then physically delete the files and drag them to the trash can." The concept of direct manipulation is also popular when it comes to video games, where one physically interacts and sees the process of interaction with the interface.

//Theories in Human Interaction, Direct Manipulation//. 26 October 2006. Jennifer Golbeck, University of Maryland. 12 January 2008 http://www.cs.umd.edu/class/fall2002/cmsc838s/tichi/dirman.html //Usability Glossary, Direct Manipulation//. 2005. Foraker Design. 12 January 2008 http://www.usabilityfirst.com/glossary/term_200.txl