Animated icons in user interface design

In the present research the benefits of animated icons were examined. A subset of static icons was taken from a CAD program and converted into animated icons. Subjects were tested about their understanding of the functions of the icons before and after the animation took place. In addition, a questionnaire was given to assess the subjective opinion of users about their experience. It was found that animated icons have a positive effect on comprehension of icons and the tasks they represent. Finally, some major issues relevant to effective use of animated icons in user interface design are discussed

Animated icons promote learning of their functions

In the present research the benefits of animated icons were examined. A subset of static icons was taken from a CAD program and converted into animated icons. Subjects were tested about their understanding of the functions of the icons before and after the animation took place. In addition, a questionnaire was given to assess the subjective opinion of users about their experience. It was found that animated icons have a positive effect on comprehension of icons and the tasks they represent. Finally, some major issues relevant for effective use of animated icons in user interface design are discussed

Reading text presented on a small display

There are a number of applications in consumer and industrial products environments in which there is a need to display a message in a restricted space. Two general display methods were compared in the present research using an 8-character horizontal display. Text appeared either as a sequence ofsmall right-to-left jumps ('leading'), or as a sequence of whole or partword patterns (rapid serial visual presentations, RSVP]). Upper versus lower-case letters and slow (171 words per minute, WPM) versus fast (260 WPM) presentation rates were compared. In all conditions, sentences were read more accurately in the RSVP format than in the leading format. Recommendations for future displays of verbal messages are discussed

Reading text presented on a small display

There are a number of applications in consumer and industrial product environments in which there is a need to display a message in a restricted space. Two general display methods were compared in the present research using an eight-character horizontal display. Text appeared either as a sequence of small right-to-left jumps (‘leading’), or as a sequence of whole or part-word patterns (rapid serial visual presentations, RSVP). Upper-case versus lower-case letters and slow (171 words per minute, wpm) versus fast (260 wpm) presentation rates were compared. In all conditions, sentences were read more accurately in the RSVP format than in the leading format. Recommendations for future displays of verbal messages are discussed

Animated icons promote learning of their functions

In the present research the benefits of animated icons were examined. A subset of static icons was taken from a CAD program and converted into animated icons. Subjects were tested about their understanding of the functions of the icons before and after the animation took place. In addition, a questionnaire was given to assess the subjective opinion of users about their experience. It was found that animated icons have a positive effect on comprehension of icons and the tasks they represent. Finally, some major issues relevant for effective use of animated icons in user interface design are discussed