Image grid display: A study on automatic scrolling presentation

Abstract In this paper we describe a study on image grid display with automatic vertical scrolling. While scroll operations are normally carried out manually by the user, in the context of RSVP (Rapid Serial Visual Presentation) techniques this work considers a presentation mode in which the image grid is automatically scrolled. Through experiments carried out with 50 testers, we have investigated user performance while looking for specific target subjects within large collections of images. Different numbers of columns and scrolling speeds have been considered. The search task implied both clicking on the identified target pictures and simply vocally stating their visual recognition. To this purpose, and to identify possible specific gaze behaviours, eye tracking technology has been exploited. The obtained results show that number of columns and scroll speed do affect search performance. Moreover, the user’s gaze tends to focus on different screen areas depending on the values of these two parameters. Although it is not possible to definitely find an optimal columns–speed combination that is valid in all cases, the particular context of use can suggest feasible solutions according to one’s needs. To the best of our knowledge, image grid display with automatic scrolling has never been studied to date.