Log-based Longitudinal Study Finds Window Thrashing (01 Aug 2004)

Usability Views Article Details

Log-based Longitudinal Study Finds Window Thrashing (01 Aug 2004)
Although large displays are becoming more cost effective, most user interfaces are optimized for a single monitor of modest size even though many traditional workspaces such as desks and workbenches are much larger and some studies have found benefits from large displays. This paper explores whether a single monitor is sufficient for information work using standard software. A log-based longitudinal field study finds that most of the time a single monitor allows skilled information analysts to have a reasonable pattern of window activity. However, a novel visualization of the data shows that windows typically fill the monitor and the pattern is occasionally interrupted by window thrashing, the rapid manipulation of windows caused by limited display resource. Given these findings, we identify some common tasks that justify the development and the expense of wideband visual interfaces that are optimized for larger displays.

Article URL: http://www2.parc.com/istl/projects/uir/pubs/items/UIR-2004-06-Mackinlay-WindowThrashing.pdf

Read 16 more articles from Xerox Parc sorted by date, popularity, or title.

Next Article: The Use of Proximal Information Scent to Forage for Distal Content on the World Wide Web

Some of the people who make up the Userati group

This site is a labour of love built by Chris McEvoy