A. Parush et al., EVALUATING THE LAYOUT OF GRAPHICAL USER-INTERFACE SCREENS - VALIDATION OF A NUMERICAL COMPUTERIZED MODEL, International journal of human-computer interaction, 10(4), 1998, pp. 343-360
We developed a numerical model for evaluation of graphical user interf
ace (GUI) screens. The model consists of design guidelines concerning
screen factors-element size, local density, alignment, and grouping-an
d produces a complexity score for a given screen. The complexity predi
ctions of the model were examined in a fully factorial experimental de
sign in which GUI screens with all combinations of factors were shown
to human users. We measured participants' search times for given eleme
nts on all screens, and participants rated their pair-wise preferences
of those screens. Overall, very well designed screens resulted in sho
rter search times and high subjective preference. The combination of p
oor alignment and poor local density had the strongest adverse effect
on search time. Alignment and grouping were found to have more influen
ce on subjective preference. Weights derived from the subjective judgm
ents were introduced into the model, and a significant correlation was
found between model predictions and search times. We discuss the find
ings in terms of screen-design implications and in terms of the develo
pment and use of numerical models in GUI design and evaluation.