Is Practice Necessary to Speed the Selection of Web Browser Controls that Have Impenetrable Borders?

Abstract

Previous research demonstrated that interface elements could be selected faster when placed against the edge of the screen. Doing so creates an impenetrable border between the element and the edge of the screen that the mouse cursor cannot penetrate. This changes how users move the mouse, so that selection quickens. This study investigated the effect of practice on the acquisition of targets with and without impenetrable borders. Ten participants selected targets that varied in Target Type (with or without impenetrable borders), and Distance (.5, 3.5, 6.5, 9.5, and 12.5 cm) across five Practice Sessions. The results confirmed that targets with impenetrable borders were selected faster than targets without impenetrable borders and that participants demonstrated consistent reductions in selection time over sessions, regardless of the target type. In addition, excessive practice was not necessary to demonstrate target type differences; thus the advantage of having impenetrable borders seems to be relatively instantaneous.

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