Mapping

Mapping
The process of storing and displaying map data in digital form (to store and retrieve on a computer). An example of this would be a GIS system, (www.webopedia.com). Mapping can be a beneficial way to lay out or plan physical spacial data. Mapping is important to the field of civil engineering as it allows the accurate and logical development of public spaces or projects. Mapping is also a useful tool for effectively portraying intangible things such as concepts or ideas, ([|http://en.wikipedia.org]).

In the context of the course material, mapping is an important term that relates to the interface design. In any kind of interface or controls, mapping refers to positioning and appearance of the controls in the relationship with their functions. Good mapping is achieved when controls are positioned in a way that naturally suggests the actions that these controls will perform. (Sharp, Rogers,Preece) Therefore, good mapping is essential for good usability.

The simple example of bad mapping is a series of light switches in some class rooms. Often, class room switches are arranged in a block that does not represent in any way the actual lights that each switch controls. By turning one of the switches on, user lights up 3 lamps arranged in a random order. It may take quite a bit of experimenting with the combination of switches. till the user will be able to get the desired lighting situation: Much simpler and more logical solution would be arranging switches in the same order as the lamps on the ceiling that these switches control. The user would be able to locate the needed switches naturally without any effort: References:

Sharp, H; Rogers, Y; Preece, J. //What is Interaction Design.// **Interaction Design: Beyond Human–Computer Interaction, 2nd ed.** John Wiley & Sons Ltd., 2007 http://www.webopedia.com/ Webopedia. Jupitermedia Corporate Info. 13 Sept. 2007  http://en.wikipedia.org/ Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation Inc. 13 Sept. 2007 &lt;[|http://en.wikipedia.org]&gt;