Virtual origami diagramming

The task of making origami diagrams is both difficult and time-consuming. It is now common for diagrammers to use computers but few authors use programs that are specifically written for origami diagramming.

This study evaluates different types of software for making origami diagrams. It draws on the field of Human-Computer Interaction (namely the Cognitive Dimensions framework) to determine the usability strengths and weaknesses of existing software. The study also seeks the opinions of both readers and authors of origami diagrams via a questionnaire, partly based on Lang’s ten principles for diagramming and QUIS ( Questionnaire for User Interaction Satisfaction.)

These usability findings inform the design of an improved interface for making origami diagrams. A prototype interface based on S. Miyazaki’s origami simulation is evaluated by the author and by nine participants in a usability study. This evaluation shows that whilst the subjects rated the prototype as “wonderful”, they criticised it for its inadequate power and being rigid. Respondents were mixed in their feelings of satisfaction, the prototype’s ease of use and the visual attractiveness of its diagrams.

The main improvement that the prototype needs is to extend its repertoire of fold types. It should be relatively easy to implement outside reverse folds, but other folds such as rabbit’s ears may cause problems in both specifying the user interface and the implementation.