A study of Fitts' law on goal-directed aiming task with moving targets

Most research based on Fitts' law define a log-linear relationship between temporal and spatial accuracy in goal-directed aiming tasks using stationary targets. Whether this relationship holds or not when the targets have varying velocities, and how the behavioral strategies and physical activities may change accordingly are of interest. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between temporal and spatial accuracy in goal-directed aiming tasks with moving targets. Participants were asked to aim at two target widths using a joystick. Results demonstrated that in a goal-directed aiming task there was a negative effect on performance when target velocity was increased or target width was decreased. Participants moved faster and then made more systematic errors in a high-velocity target condition. Results may be applicable to the complex perceptual-motor behavior of people who perform tasks using computers.