MetaMap is a design tool which supports amateur designers in the visual metaphor ideation process. We incorporate in MetaMap a 3-dimensional recommendation framework (i.e., semantics, color, shape) in a mind-map structure to aid ideation with diverse exemplar exploration and historical thinking path tracking.
Visual metaphors, which are widely used in graphic design, can deliver messages in creative ways by fusing different objects. The keys to creating visual metaphors are diverse exploration and creative combinations, which is challenging with conventional methods like image searching. To streamline this ideation process, we propose to use a mind-map-like structure to recommend and assist users to explore materials. We present MetaMap, a supporting tool which inspires visual metaphor ideation through multi-dimensional example-based exploration. To facilitate the divergence and convergence of the ideation process, MetaMap provides 1) sample images based on keyword association and color filtering; 2) example-based exploration in semantics, color, and shape dimensions; and 3) thinking path tracking and idea recording. We conduct a within-subject study with 24 design enthusiasts by taking a Pinterest-like interface as the baseline. Our evaluation results suggest that MetaMap provides an engaging ideation process and helps participants create diverse and creative ideas.
To facilitate divergence and convergence activities in the ideation process, MetaMap provides 1) assembly of image search results based on automatic keyword association and color theme filtering; 2) exploration of examples related to a seed image from semantics, color, and shape dimensions; and 3) support for thinking paths tracking and ideas recording. The conventional image searching process is supported by word association to inspire users with more concepts. After identifying an image of interest, users can further explore the recommendation exemplars based on 3-dimensional features: semantics, color, and shape. Users can save useful images and type comments to record their thoughts before a new brainstorming iteration. All the saved mind maps and images record the thinking path generated by users for a quick recollection.
This video shows how to use MetaMap.
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Youwen Kang*, Zhida Sun*, Sitong Wang, Zeyu Huang, Ziming Wu, and Xiaojuan Ma. 2021. MetaMap: Supporting Visual Metaphor Ideation through Multi-dimensional Example-based Exploration. In Proceedings of the 2021 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI '21). Association for Computing Machinery, New York, NY, USA, Article 427, 1–15. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1145/3411764.3445325