How information density modulates viewport switching costs: evidence from a dual-task behavioural study

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Cognitive Psychology
• Information Visualization

Background:

• Viewport transitions are integral to complex information systems, but their cognitive implications are not well understood.
• Visual information density's role in attentional reorientation during these transitions requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine how visual information density influences attentional reorientation demands during viewport transitions.
• To quantify the cognitive costs associated with switching between viewports of varying information densities.

Main Methods:

• A dual-task paradigm was employed, combining visual enumeration with auditory discrimination.
• Auditory perceptual sensitivity, response bias, and response time were analyzed as indirect measures of attentional capacity under visual load.

Main Results:

• Current viewport density significantly affects viewport switching costs.
• Transitions to low-density viewports facilitated more efficient attentional reorientation.
• Transitions to high-density viewports presented greater early attentional reorientation demands.

Conclusions:

• Visual information density is a critical factor in managing cognitive load during viewport transitions.
• Interface design should consider information density to optimize user attention and minimize switching costs.
• Findings suggest implications for designing multi-viewport interfaces with effective visual information density management.