An evaluation of sticky and force enhanced targets in multi target situations

ABSTRACT

In this paper we explore the usage of "force fields" in order to facilitate the computer user during pointing tasks. The first study shows that pointing time can be reduced by enhancing a pointing target with an invisible force field that warps the screen cursor toward the target center. The application of force fields is further supported in that we show how performance of force enhanced pointing can be predicted by using Fitts' law and a force adjusted index of difficulty. In the second study, the force field technique is compared with the "sticky target" technique [20] in two realistic pointing situations which involve several closely placed targets. The results show that the force fields improve pointing performance and that the sticky target technique does not.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)

Keywords:
"force fields", "sticky targets", Fitts' law, control-display ratio, cursor pointing, interaction improvement