The Optimal Number of Menu Options per Panel

Abstract

As the number of levels of a hierarchical menu structure grows, users find it difficult to navigate from their current location to their desired location. Despite the navigation problem, designers of menu interfaces may want to trade more depth for less breadth in order to take advantage of funneling. Indeed, Lee and MacGregor (1985) have presented an analysis of search time that suggests that the optimal number of options per menu panel over a wide range of conditions is in the range of only four to eight. However, Lee and MacGregor's analysis applies only to cases where the user cannot restrict the scope of search based on either experience with the menu panel or on the organization of the options on the panel. The analysis is extended to cases of restricted search. Assuming optimal grouping, the optimal number of alternatives on a single page ranges from 16 to 78 across the same parameter values explored by Lee and MacGregor.

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