Developing a Framework for a New Visual-Based Interface Design in Autodesk Maya

In this thesis, I develop an efficient and user-friendly node-based interface to be used in the creation of a particle system in Autodesk Maya. Maya's interface inconsistencies were identified and solutions were designed based on research in a number of fields related to human-computer interaction (HCI) as well as taking design queues from other highly successful 3D programs that employ a node-based interface. This research was used to guide the design of the interface in terms of organizing the data into logical chunks of information, using color to help the user develop working mental models of the system, and also using simple, easy to identify, graphical representations of a particle system. The result is an easy-to-use and intuitive interface that uses a visual-based approach in creating a particle system in Maya. By following guidelines laid out by previous researchers in the field of HCI, the interface should be a less frustrating to use and more organized version of Maya's current interface.