This is a screenshot of TOOL Version 3.1. The TOOL Interface has been programmed to be composed of a number of sections: Top Section (Panel), here with ‘Frameworks’ Banner and the User Log Named On and Log Out button; Main Section (Panel), the Thinking & Modelling Space with the Default Nodes (Spinal Core Model) Focus and Context – with the Focus Node highlighted and named (the first step of modelling thinking); Side Section Menus including various Buttons ‘New’, ‘Save’, ‘Load’, ‘Share’, ‘Manage’, ‘Download SVG’ and ‘Elaborate’. At the bottom of this Side Section (Menu Panel), the Name of the Current Model and the User Level is shown.
As a prototype, the interface and the modelling process are assessed and changes/adjustments/enhancements are suggested.
This is a screenshot of TOOL Version 3.2. Two changes are visible: (i) the Core Information Nodes are now oval/lozenge shaped (to accommodate longer text strings), (ii) the User Level and Model Name have been moved to the Top Panel.
The next, planned, stage of Prototype Tool development: the display of the Saved Model in the Coloured Meta Model will be coded and implemented; the ‘Stuff Box’ will be coded and implemented; and the ‘Elaborate Button’ will be coded and implemented.
The Methodology Design calls for an interaction with the Meta Model/Ghosted/With Focus Node highlighted (as presented to the would-be Thinker-Modeller who has Logged On to the Tool)- which when selected – links to the Prototype Tool (currently Version 3.1) with the Focus Nodel highlighted – to be Named (the first step of modelling thinking is to specify and name the Focus) – and next, to specify and name the Context – and next, to Save this Short Model or ro Elaborate a Greater Model – and next, to Save the Greater Model. Currently, in Version 3.0 – Models are Saved to the ‘Frameworks’ Model Database (from which they may be loaded and edited etc). Models may be saved as SVG files to be shared. In Vesrson 4.0 as planned – Models will be Saved to a Coloured Meta Model for Display and Sharing.
The further development of Version 4.0 depends upon securing funding/support and the continuing goodwill of Andre Gauthier who has programmed and coded Version 3.0/3.1/3.2 so far.
List of Enhancements in Version 4.1
1. Information Nodes – behaviour upon selection: distinguishing between Node and Node Label/Name.
2. Information Nodes – accommodation of longer Label/Name strings.
3. SAVE MODEL – to Coloured Meta Model: Display Space
4. STUFF BOX: behaviour – selection revealing constituent elements eg ‘Sandbox’ for acquired files to be tested and verified; Text Media; Image Media; Video Media; Audio Media; Thinking Models; Models of Understanding; Model Focuses; Model Contexts; Other Modelling Tools
5. ELABORATE BUTTON: to copy Model (in Meta Model Display Space) to Tool (Thinking & Modelling Space) for editing, further elaboration etc.
Further updates on the design and development of Version 4.0 will follow