View size and pointing difficulty in multi-scale navigation

ABSTRACT

Using a new taxonomy of pointing tasks which includes view pointing beside traditional cursor pointing, we introduce the concept of multi-scale pointing. Analyzing the impact of view size, we demonstrate theoretically and experimentally that (1) the time needed to reach a remotely located target in a multi-scale interface still obeys Fitts' law and (2) the bandwidth of the interaction (i.e., the inverse of Fitts' law slope) is proportional to view size, a relationship bounded by an early ceiling effect. We discuss these results with special reference to navigation in miniaturized and enlarged interfaces.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES
      H.1.2 User/Machine Systems

Additional 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)

General Terms:
Experimentation, Human Factors, Theory

Keywords:
Fitts' law, analysis methods, empirical methods, input and interaction technologies, quantitative