Abstract
In this paper we present and analyze pie-menu implementation for touchscreen mobile devices which supports swipe-based navigation through deep hierarchical menu configurations. We propose a solution that synergistically encompasses important design features for a given context: radial menu visualization, semi-transparency, manual repositioning, occlusion awareness, and marking menu concept. From the menu navigation efficiency standpoint, dwell time represents one of the most influential factors in such a design. Reducing the time needed to automatically activate submenus could potentially provide faster navigation through the pie-menu hierarchy; however, short dwell times could make swipe-based interaction more error-prone, as unintentional item selections are then more probable. Therefore, we specifically investigate the effect of dwell time on navigation efficiency when using the proposed solution. A remotely administered experiment involving 36 participants was carried out in order to empirically evaluate different dwell time values. The interaction style, i.e. the way of holding a smartphone device, was also taken into account as an independent variable. We present the results of this empirical research, additionally tackling the interaction workload, usability attributes, and overall design considerations of the proposed solution. According to the obtained results, we argue that highly adaptable pie-menus could provide interaction benefits in the mobile touchscreen domain.
Highlights
The concept of hierarchical menus originates from software applications implemented for desktop operating systems
Along with checking the preferred menu positions in different contexts of use, we focused on the appropriate dwell time which can guarantee a higher level of menu navigation efficiency
The analysis revealed a significant effect of Dwell time on menu navigation time (F3, 105 = 198.666, p < .001)
Summary
The concept of hierarchical menus originates from software applications implemented for desktop operating systems. Present-day menus for mobile devices are designed in diverse shapes and forms, here including sequential menus (like navigation drawer), floating action buttons (FABs), accordions (e.g. hamburger menu), section menus (tabs), and bottom bar menus. These mobile menu designs are bounded to the underlying application. Our design supports semi-transparent visualization and manual repositioning of the menu pivotal position – according to the users’ individual preferences These features contribute to better screen utilization, as more space and visibility can be dedicated to the underlying application content. Cradling (the case wherein one hand is holding the device, while the other – usually the dominant one – is performing swipe gestures)
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