Improving usability of pedagogical computer emulation interfaces

Computer emulations, simulating real or imagined computer systems, are a valuable tool to quickly gain understanding of computer architecture and software. Existing computer emulation systems offer useful but limited visualization and interaction. This paper addresses improving usability of pedagogical computer emulator interfaces with the application of published design principles informed by research into visuospatial ability. The results include a survey of promising techniques addressing similar problems and suggestions for application. Along with supporting work extending a publicly available Java-based PC emulator to enable use of the popular Processing visualization development environment, this provides a well-developed design and implementation framework for future improvements by interested parties.