Quantum Leaping

Initial user feedback form the first round of beta test indicate that easing the work users must do when moving from node to node has become important factor to consider when trying the create a user friendly mapping interface. Since users of my maps will most likely be required to use the scroll wheel and mouse intensely when moving up the node hierarchy or moving from a node on one side of the map to another. Even in occasions when the user wants to gain a clearer perspective of other related nodes around a parent node they need to drag an zoom out each time.

Automating these tasks and them building into the interface so that users can access these tools in a simple routine way. Building tools such as this requires a dynamic function that responds to each node uniquely. The function would have to recenter the viewing window on the node that has been clicked on, then zoom into the node position so that it becomes readable in the window view.To fly into a node on auto pilot we would need the coordinates of the chosen node and the "child value total" const (cdt) these would change depending on the node that is clicked on.

Today I completed the function and used the built in easing class to smoothly accelerate into the node location. The effect is somewhat like Google earth's interface. When the user presses the "Ctrl" key then double clicks on a node the the autopilot is activated and guides the user to the node.

I chose to use "ctrl" double click as it was a more efficient action than requiring the user to triple click on the node and it is in line with my current minimalist UID.

Since the content in each node are quantized learning modules and users move form video module to module following a non linear course. Ive nicknamed the act of flying or leaping between quantized nodes "quantum leaping". The phrase has it roots in quantum physics but i figured it was appropriate as the mapping engine is called Ziggy.

demo: ziggy 1.1
demo: ziggy 1.2 (with quantum leaping)

Note: hold down the ctrl key and double click on a node to quantum leap.

The beautiful thing about working xml and seperating the data from the mapping engine itself is that i only have to update the swf file embedded in the web page to upgrate the maps interfaceas the map essentially displays and manages external multimedia files.