The effects of frame layout and differential background contrast on visual search performance in Web pages

Abstract Usability is paramount for the success of Web sites. This study aims to contribute towards Web design guidelines for usability through an empirical investigation into two Web page design parameters. Using a 2×4 mixed measures experimental design, we studied the effects of frame layout and background contrast on visual search performance. One hundred and eighty-nine undergraduates carried out a visual search task using mock Web pages. Analysis showed an effect of layout both on accuracy and speed measures, with frames located at the top or left of the screen leading to better performance. No main effect of contrast was found, although there was an interaction between layout and contrast in reaction time for hits. Preference for frame layout was dependent on background contrast. The results are discussed in terms of visual search processes and design recommendations are given.

[1]  Carolyn Snyder,et al.  Web Site Usability: A Designer's Guide , 1997 .

[2]  T. Landauer,et al.  Handbook of Human-Computer Interaction , 1997 .

[3]  R. Mayer.  Thinking, Problem Solving, Cognition , 1983 .

[4]  Jakob Nielsen,et al.  Measuring usability: preference vs. performance , 1994, CACM.

[5]  Saul Sternberg,et al.  The discovery of processing stages: Extensions of Donders' method , 1969 .

[6]  Else Nygren.  From paper to computer screen : human information processing and user interface design , 1996 .

[7]  Wilbert O. Galitz,et al.  User-Interface Screen Design , 1993 .

[8]  Martin G. Helander,et al.  Hypertext and its Implications for the Internet , 1997 .

[9]  Derek Scott,et al.  Visual search in modern human-computer interfaces , 1993, Behav. Inf. Technol..

[10]  Tim Comber,et al.  Layout Complexity: Does It Measure Usability? , 1997, INTERACT.

[11]  Aaron Marcus.  Graphical User Interfaces , 1997 .

[12]  J. Wolfe,et al.  Guided Search 2.0 A revised model of visual search , 1994, Psychonomic bulletin & review.

[13]  W. Graf,et al.  Ergonomic evaluation of user-interfaces by means of eye-movement data , 1989 .

[14]  L. Barsalou,et al.  Ad hoc categories , 1983, Memory & cognition.

[15]  Jakob Nielsen,et al.  Designing web usability , 1999 .

[16]  Gavriel Salvendy,et al.  Proceedings of the third international conference on human-computer interaction, Vol.1 on Work with computers: organizational, management, stress and health aspects , 1989 .

[17]  Jan Panero Benway,et al.  Banner Blindness: The Irony of Attention Grabbing on the World Wide Web , 1998 .

[18]  Wilbert O. Galitz,et al.  The Essential Guide to User Interface Design: An Introduction to GUI Design Principles and Techniques , 1996 .

[19]  Steve Bain,et al.  Looking Good Online , 1996 .