Choosing the Right “Bit Pad”: Human Factors Aspects of Digitizing Tablet Size

Abstract

Entry of non-alphanumeric information into computer graphics systems is frequently accomplished by moving a drawing implement over the surface of a digitizing tablet. These tablets are commercially available in a wide range of sizes. Therefore, an important question from both ergonomic and economic standpoints concerns the optimum size for the digitizing tablet. To answer this question, models of human movement control were applied to the graphic operator's task. An experiment was conducted to obtain appropriate model parameter values and to empirically evaluate the resulting predictions of the generated models. A combination of task analysis and movement control modelling thus allowed selection of an optimum digitizing tablet size for a range of computer-graphics entry tasks. Details and results of this methodology will be presented.