On user-friendly interface construction for CACSD packages

Some ideas that are used in the development of user-friendly interface for a computer-aided control system design (CACSD) package are presented. The concepts presented are integration and extensibility through the use of object-oriented programming, man-machine interface and user support using direct manipulation, and multiple views and multiple actions on objects in different domains. The use of multiple views and actions in combination with graphics enhances the user's ability to get an overview of the system to be designed. Good support for iteration is provided, and the short time between action and presentation allows the user to evaluate actions quickly. Object-oriented programming has been used to provide modularity and encapsulation.<<ETX>>