Efficient strategies for selecting small targets on pen-based systems: an evaluation experiment for selection strategies and strategy classifications

Abstract

This paper describes six strategies for selecting small targets on pen-based systems. We have classified the strategies into strategy groups according to their characteristics. An experiment was conducted comparing selection time, error rate and user preference ratings for the six selection strategies. We focused our attention on the three variables associated with pen-based selection: size, direction and distance to target. Three target sizes, eight pen-movement-directions and three pen-movement-distances were applied to all six strategies. Experimental results show that the best strategy was the “Landon2” strategy when the strategies were evaluated individually, and the best strategy group was the “In-Out” strategy group when evaluated in groups. Analyses also showed that differences between strategies were influenced by variations in target size, however, they were not influenced by pen-movement-distance and pen-movement-direction. Analyses of grouped strategies produced the same results. Ideas for future research are also presented.Key wordsmobile computingpen-based input interfacesselection strategiesclassifications of selection strategiessmall targetsdifferences between selection strategies.