Understanding how people approach constraint modelling and solving

Ruth Hoffmann*, Xu Zhu, Ozgur Akgun, Miguel Nacenta

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Citations (Scopus)
47 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Research in constraint programming typically focuses on problem solving efficiency. However, the way users conceptualise problems and communicate with constraint programming tools is often sidelined. How humans think about constraint problems can be important for the development of efficient tools that are useful to a broader audience. For example, a system incorporating knowledge on how people think about constraint problems can provide explanations to users and improve the communication between the human and the solver.

We present an initial step towards a better understanding of the human side of the constraint solving process. To our knowledge, this is the first human-centred study addressing how people approach constraint modelling and solving. We observed three sets of ten users each (constraint programmers, computer scientists and non-computer scientists) and analysed how they find solutions for well-known constraint problems. We found regularities offering clues about how to design systems that are more intelligible to humans.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication28th International conference on principles and practice of constraint programming (CP 2022)
EditorsChristine Solnon
Place of PublicationDagstuhl
PublisherSchloss Dagstuhl- Leibniz-Zentrum fur Informatik GmbH, Dagstuhl Publishing
Number of pages18
ISBN (Electronic)9783959772402
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 23 Jul 2022
Event28th International Conference on Principles and Practice of Constraint Programming (CP 2022) - Haifa, Israel
Duration: 31 Jul 20225 Aug 2022
Conference number: 28
https://cp2022.a4cp.org/

Publication series

NameLeibniz International Proceedings in Informatics (LIPIcs)
Volume235
ISSN (Electronic)1868-8969

Conference

Conference28th International Conference on Principles and Practice of Constraint Programming (CP 2022)
Abbreviated titleCP 2022
Country/TerritoryIsrael
CityHaifa
Period31/07/225/08/22
Internet address

Keywords

  • Constraint modelling
  • HCI
  • User study
  • Grounded theory

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