A method of displaying information within a three-dimensional workspace on a
computer
display includes partitioning the workspace into a plurality of layers, where each
layer corresponds to a display depth relative to a user. At least one substantially
opaque container object is displayed at a first display depth. The user is provided
with a pointer operative to select objects within the three-dimensional workspace
at a plurality of display depths. In response to the user selecting a container
object, the opacity level of the selected container object is reduced in order
to reveal at least one content object contained therein. The at least one content
object contained within the selected container object is displayed at a deeper
display depth relative to the first display depth. By combining three-dimensional
depth cues with opacity level adjustment the present invention provides a visually
pleasing computer workspace with enhanced depth perception and organization features.