Temporal interface designs for modeling and simulation: reducing display clutter by temporal fusion

This research examines employing "Temporal Fusion" to reduce clutter confusion associated with dynamic information displays used in C2 operations. The intent here is to design timing formats to aid targeting attention and memory Eleven subjects performed an attentionally demanding short-term (ST) memory task. Two different timing formats are used to carry memory set items. Task irrelevant items are present and timed to occur either synchronously with memory set items or asynchronously. Results indicate that dynamic irrelevant information added to the display can affect recognition memory. Performance facilitation is best when task irrelevant item timing is the same as memory set timing. These data suggest application of certain timing formats may play an important role in reducing clutter confusion by guiding attention and aiding memory when processing multiple sources of dynamic information. These data also have implications when designing interfaces for modeling and simulation tools.