Reactive displays: improving man-machine graphical communication

The on-line graphic representation and solution of problems is opening the door to new and exciting computer applications. Continuous man-machine interaction via graphic consoles makes feasible the solution of entirely new classes of problems. This expanding use of computer graphics is requiring improved techniques of man-machine communication and graphic data management. At the General Motors Research Laboratories, we have had the opportunity since 1962 for considerable experimentation in a man-machine environment. From these experiments new ideas have evolved about how to improve the two-way information flow between the console user and the computer model of his problem. A fundamental concept is the reactive display, which supplies immediate graphical response to the actions of a man at a console. We have found that reactive displays provide a good basis for interaction between the man and the individual phases of his problem.