Using Menus to Access Computers via Phone-Based Interfaces

Abstract

Phone-based interfaces allow users easy access to information stored in distant computers. Applications include gaining credit card information, information about financial aid and registration at universities, and banking services. One interface tool that is often used in these applications is the menu. Unfortunately, the use of menus in these types of interfaces is not well investigated. The current study was developed to investigate issues related to the use of menus in auditory interfaces using computer synthesized speech as the output medium. Variables of interest included: 1) menu-page configuration (organized versus random); 2) menu-hierarchy configuration (top-down versus bottom-up); 3) individual differences in short-term memory capabilities; and 4) user anxiety. Subjects performed 20 menu selection trials from one of four menu arrangements. Subjects were given a digit-span task to assess short-term memory capacity and a Sternberg task to assess speed of recall from short-term memory. Finally, subjects were given the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory to assess subject trait and state anxiety. Results suggest that menu performance is a more complex process than VDT menu performance. Short-term memory abilities contributed a major portion of the variance in menu performance. User interest in the menu task also accounted for a good deal of the variance in menu performance and interest was found to be correlated with user anxiety. These results and the results of the menu configuration variables are discussed in terms of possible implications for phone-based menu use and design.