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    AlgoSketch: Algorithm Sketching and Interactive Computation
    (The Eurographics Association, 2008) Li, Chuanjun; Miller, Timothy S.; Zeleznik, Robert C.; Jr., Joseph J. LaViola; Christine Alvarado and Marie-Paule Cani
    We present AlgoSketch, a pen-based algorithm sketching prototype with supporting interactive computation. AlgoSketch lets users fluidly enter and edit 2D handwritten mathematical expressions in the form of pseudocode-like descriptions to support the algorithm design and development process. By utilizing a novel 2D algorithmic description language and a pen-based interface, AlgoSketch users need not work with traditional, yet complex 1D programming languages in the early parts of algorithm development. In this paper, we present the details behind AlgoSketch including the design of our 2D algorithmic description language, support for iteration and flow of control constructs and a simple debugging trace tool. We also provide some examples of how AlgoSketch might be used in the context of image analysis and number-theoretic calculation problems found. Based on preliminary user feedback, we believe AlgoSketch has the potential to be used to design and test new algorithms before more efficient code is implemented. In addition, it can support users who may not be familiar with any advanced programming languages.
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    An Empirical Study in Pen-Centric User Interfaces: Diagramming
    (The Eurographics Association, 2008) Forsberg, Andrew S.; Bragdon, Andrew; Jr., Joseph J. LaViola; Raghupathy, Sashi; Zeleznik, Robert C.; Christine Alvarado and Marie-Paule Cani
    We present a user study aimed at helping understand the applicability of pen-computing in desktop environments. The study applied three mouse-and-keyboard-based and three pen-based interaction techniques to six variations of a diagramming task. We ran 18 subjects from a general population and the key finding was that while the mouse and keyboard techniques generally were comparable or faster than the pen techniques, subjects ranked pen techniques higher and enjoyed them more. Our contribution is the results from a formal user study that suggests there is a broader applicability and subjective preference for pen user interfaces than the niche PDA and mobile market they currently serve.