What is the difference between direct manipulation and indirect manipulation in HCI?

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What is the difference between direct manipulation and indirect manipulation in HCI?

Direct manipulation in HCI refers to a user interface design approach where users interact with virtual objects or elements directly, using physical actions or gestures. This means that users can directly manipulate and control objects on the screen, such as dragging, resizing, or rotating them, providing a more intuitive and immediate interaction experience.

On the other hand, indirect manipulation in HCI involves using intermediate actions or commands to interact with virtual objects or elements. Users typically perform actions through menus, buttons, or other interface components, which then trigger the desired changes in the virtual environment. Indirect manipulation often requires more cognitive effort and may have a steeper learning curve compared to direct manipulation.

In summary, the main difference between direct and indirect manipulation in HCI lies in the way users interact with virtual objects or elements, with direct manipulation allowing for more immediate and intuitive control, while indirect manipulation involves intermediate actions or commands.