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Related Experiment Videos

Effects of control order, augmented feedback, input device and practice on tracking performance and perceived

P A Hancock1

  • 1Human Factors Research Laboratory, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA.

Ergonomics
|September 1, 1996
PubMed
Summary

Virtual interface design is improved by understanding how track order and control devices affect operator performance and mental workload. Trackballs outperform mice, and workload decreases with improved tracking skills.

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Area of Science:

  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Ergonomics

Background:

  • Virtual interfaces for human-machine systems pose perceptual-motor challenges.
  • Interface design requires understanding operator performance and mental workload.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Examine effects of track order, knowledge of performance, control device, and practice on tracking performance and mental workload.
  • Inform virtual interface design processes.

Main Methods:

  • Tracking performance assessed by root mean square error.
  • Subjective workload measured using NASA Task Load Index (TLX) and Subjective Workload Assessment Technique (SWAT).
  • Investigated effects of track order, knowledge of performance, control device type, and practice extent.

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Main Results:

  • Non-linear increases in tracking error and workload with track order.
  • Trackball control yielded better performance and lower workload than mouse.
  • Practice improved second-order tracking performance and retention, with decreased workload.
  • Augmented knowledge of performance had minimal impact.

Conclusions:

  • Direct association between workload and performance confirmed.
  • Workload measures effectively evaluate task demands in virtual interfaces.
  • Findings support informed design of virtual interfaces for real-world systems.