Exploring the Untapped Potential of Text Fields in Creative Software

Abstract

After the rise of direct manipulation, textual interactions have been progressively devalued in creative software. Text fields within creative software currently support limited use cases such as fine tuning of numerical values or layer naming. Following the increased popularity of programming in art and design, we believe that text field based interaction can be enhanced so as to combine the unique strengths of GUI with those of text. Based on the anatomy of the text field: both an interactive interface element and a writing space, we propose a design space that explores its interactive capabilities to facilitate both reading and comprehension as well as to support writing. To explore its potential, we apply this design space to VectorPattern, a pattern creation tool that focuses on complex pattern repetition based on explicit mathematical expressions written in text fields. With this work, we call for reevaluating the place of text fields within creative software.