Waving at Faucets

Abstract

Influences of priming on perceiving object-action has been explored, but not in the context of novel technologies. Previous research, including that of analogical reasoning and knowledge transfer, has suggested that priming with more unique methods of object interaction would facilitate faster and more accurate identification of prototypical/fictional operators. This study examined differences in priming traditional or modern technology on speed and accuracy of novel technology object-action selection. Those primed with traditional technologies exhibited more accurate action selection and faster reaction times, presumably due to positive transfer fostered by preexisting schemata. Searching for the object-activation in the modern technology group added cognitive burden, hampering participants’ performance. Like Gibson et al. (1987), we found that those newly skilled in modern technology usage made longer environmental assessments than their counterparts before object-action selection. The application of this research implies that referencing more familiar designs can mitigate an unfamiliar, complex product design.