Foundations of MIRACLE: Multimedia information repository, a computer-supported language effort
Research in neurosciences, cognitive psychology and media sciences indicates that "visual thinking" carries a potential of the human mind that is generally still neglected today but could heavily be fostered by novel types of communicating and archiving information. Computer technology ( information systems, telecommunication and visual tools) in turn promises to provide a wide range of highly effective tools to support visual, dynamic communication. MIRACLE treads new paths to address a crucial issue: In what way and to what extent can and should current and future systems support new ways of communicating and archiving information using dynamic, visual information? This paper gives a survey of the numerous attempts that have been made so far to overcome language barriers by introducing artificial languages ( both on a spoken/text and on a visual basis). It also analyzes the general status of technology ( computer hardware and software) to support such efforts as well as a number of specific projects. From this overview we draw the conclusion that computer-based systems designed to support communicating and archiving dynamic visual information should focus on the following features: . Support dynamic language elements on a structural level in addition to traditional animated icons; . Incorporate gestural language elements ( inspired by natural sign languages) anticipating future ways of human-computer interaction; . Allow evolutionary development of the language in a group-dynamic and interactive process involving large international groups of participants. In a final section we give a brief outline of the cluster of specific projects carried out under the heading of MIRACLE.
multimedia visual languages visual communication constructed languages computer-supported communication information archiving information retrieval language independent communication converging technology