An Empirical Study of Memory and Information Retrieval with a Spatial User Interface

Chiladda Chennawasin,Janet Cole,Chaomei Chen

doi:10.14236/ewic/irsg1999.2

Chiladda Chennawasin, Janet Cole + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.14236/ewic/irsg1999.2

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Publication Date: Apr 1, 1999
Citations: 11	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Brunel University London

Abstract

The rapid advances in information retrieval, especially with visualisation-oriented user interface design, highlight the need for an understanding of the interplay between cognitive abilities of users and the design of visual user interfaces. In this study, we focus on two aspects of memory abilities of users in attempts to reveal their roles in facilitating information-seeking tasks. In particular, we study the relationships between associative memory and the use of a spatial user interface, and the relationship between visual memory and the same user interface. The design of the spatial user interface draws upon information visualisation techniques in order to highlight the strongest semantic relations in the search space. Two retrieval tasks were performed. While associative memory was strongly correlated with the first task, visual memory was negatively correlated with the second task. Both correlations were statistically significant. Implications for user interface design and suggestions for further empirical studies are also discussed.

Highlights

It is difficult for the user to find information of interest within a large information space
We extend the work of Chen and Czerwinski whereas our research distinguishes the effect upon associative and visual memory of a spatial user interface
We focus on two aspects of memory abilities, associative memory and visual memory, of users in attempts to reveal their roles in facilitating information-seeking tasks

Summary

Introduction

It is difficult for the user to find information of interest within a large information space. Researchers have investigated whether human factors influence the design of the user interface for large information space [3,4,5,6,9,10,12]. Their studies demonstate that a well-designed user interface will accommodate individual differences. Swan and Allan [12] measured cognitive factors and information retrieval They tested users verbal fluency and their spatial abitilty and found correlation worthy of further investigation. Darken and Sibert [5,6], tested environment navigational cues within virtual worlds. Paths or cues, subjects are inclined to become disorient in virtual worlds

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