Effects of Display Layout on Gaze Activity During Visual Search

ISBN 3-540-28943-7International audienceWe report an experimental study that aims at investigating the influence of spatial layout on visual search efficiency and comfort. 4 layouts were used for displaying 120 scenes comprising 30 realistic colour photos each: random, elliptic, radial and matrix-like. Scenes (30 per structure) were presented to 5 participants who had to select a pre-viewed photo in each scene using the mouse. Eye-tracking data indicate that elliptic layouts provided better visual comfort than any of the other layouts (shortest scan paths), and proved to be more efficient than matrix layouts (shortest search times). These results are statistically significant (paired t-tests)

An eye tracking approach to image search activities using RSVP display techniques

Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP) is now a well-established category of image display methods. In this paper we compare four RSVP techniques when applied to very large collections of images (thousands), in order to extract the highest quantity of items that match a textual description. We report on experiments with more than 30 testers, in which we exploit an eye tracking system to perform the selection of images, thus obtaining quantitative and qualitative data about the efficacy of each presentation mode with respect to this task. Our study aims at confirming the feasibility and convenience of an eye tracking approach for effective image selection in RSVP techniques, compared to the mouse-click "traditional" selection method, in view of a future where eye trackers might become nearly as common as LCD displays are now. We propose an interpretation of the experimental data and provide short considerations on technical issues

The relationship between visual interface aesthetics, task performance, and preference

The purpose of this thesis was to develop a conceptual framework that shows the relationship between aesthetics, performance, and preference in computer interface design. To investigate this relationship, the thesis focused on investigating the effect of layout aesthetics on visual search performance and preference. This thesis begins with a literature review of related work followed by the rationale for conducting this research, in particular, defining what it meant by visual aesthetics in the context of interface design. Chapter 4 focused on investigating the effect of layout aesthetics on performance and preference. The results show that response time performance and preference increased with increasing aesthetic level. Preference and performance were found to be highly correlated. Chapter 5 focused on investigating users’ layout preference when they were not involved with a performance-based task. The results showed, surprisingly, that preference was highest with a “moderate” level of layout aesthetics and lowest with “high” and “low” levels of aesthetics. Chapter 6 focused on investigating visual effort by measuring eye movement pattern during task performance. The results showed that visual effort increased with a decreasing level of aesthetics. Chapter 7 extended the experiment in Chapter 4 using more “ecologically valid” stimuli. The results essentially replicated the results produced in Chapter 4. Chapter 8 focused on investigating the relationship between so-called “classical” aesthetics and background “expressive” aesthetics. The results showed that task performance using classical aesthetics was highest with high and low levels of aesthetics and worst with medium levels of aesthetics. Performance with expressive aesthetics increased with decreasing aesthetic levels. This thesis concludes with a conceptual framework for aesthetic design to help interface designers design interfaces that look aesthetically pleasing while at the same time supporting good task performance