An empirical comparison of alternative methodologies for the evaluation ofconfigural displays

Two different methodologies (visual, memory) were used to evaluate alternat ive versions of the same configural display. One version (composite display ) had several graphical design techniques applied, whereas the other versio n (baseline display) did not. Two types of information probes thigh-level p roperty, low-level data) were administered. When the displays were visible during completion of the probes (visual methodology), the display manipulat ion had the largest impact on performance (composite display associated wit h better performance); when the displays were not visible (memory methodolo gy) the probe manipulation had the largest impact on performance thigh-leve l probes associated with better performance). These results are interpreted in light of the mutually interacting constraints introduced by factors in display design, task requirements, and the participants' cognitive and perc eptual capabilities/limitations. Implications for both the design and the e valuation of displays and interfaces in general are discussed. Actual or po tential applications of this research include design techniques for improvi ng the quality of graphic displays and methodological insights for interpre ting previous research and guiding future experimentation.