Using Impenetrable Borders in a Graphical Web Browser: Are All Angles Equal?

Abstract

Impenetrable borders can be created by placing graphical user interface targets (e.g., buttons, scroll bars, etc.) on the edge of a computer display. Research demonstrated that targets with impenetrable borders (edge targets) are selected faster than targets of the same size that are not against the edge of the screen (non-edge targets). This paper discusses the reasons why edge targets are selected faster than non-edge target and points out a critical weakness in past research on impenetrable borders. Specifically, researchers have always placed targets at a 90° angle from the cursor's origin, thus forgoing any ecological validity. Accordingly, an experiment is reported that tests the effectiveness of impenetrable borders when approach angle varies on a graphical web browser interface. Results indicate that impenetrable borders are effective across all of the approach angles used. These results support the recommendation to place commonly used targets at the edge of the screen whenever possible.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Card

S. K.

English

W. K.

Burr

B. J.

(1978). Evaluation of mouse, rate-controlled isometric joystick, step keys and text keys for text selection on a CRT. Ergonomics, 21, 601–613.

Card

S. K.

(1982). User perceptual mechanisms in the search of computer command menus, Human Factors in Computing Systems, 190–196.

Farris

J. S.

Jones

K. S.

Anders

B. A.

(2001). Acquisition speed with targets on the edge of the screen: An application of Fitts' law to commonly used web browser controls. Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 45th Annual Meeting, 1205–1209.

Fitts

P. M.

(1954). The information capacity of the human motor system in controlling the distance of movement. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 47, 381–391.

Jagacinski

R. J.

Monk

D. L.

(1985). Fitts' Law in two dimensions with hand and head movements. Journal of Motor Behavior, 17, 77–95.

MacKenzie

I. S.

(1992). Movement time prediction in human-computer interfaces. Graphics Interface '92, 483–493.

Meyer

D. E.

Abrams

R. A.

Kornblum

Wright

C. E.

Smith

J. E. K.

(1988). Optimality in human performance: Ideal control of rapid aimed movements. Psychological Review, 95, 340–370.

Shneiderman

, (1998). Designing the user interface: Strategies for effective human-computer interaction (Third Edition), Addison-Wesley: Reading, MA.

Tognazzini

(1999). Ask Tog. A quiz designed to give you Fitts. http://www.asktog.com/columns/022DesignedToGiveFitts.html [available 20 February, 2000].

10.

Walker

Smelcer

J. B.

, (1990). A Comparison of selection time from walking and bar menus. CHI 90 Proceedings, 221–225.

11.

Walker

Smelcer

J. B.

Nilsen

(1991). Optimizing speed and accuracy of menu selection: A comparison of walking and pulldown menus. International Journal of Man-Machine Studies, 35, 871–890.