Abstract
This study compared the relative effectiveness of two color-coded symbol sets and two selection tools in performing a tactical display visual search task. Performance data were obtained for 36 symbols (called target tracks), 12 in each of three warfare areas. Each target track was presented under four levels of overlap by adjoining or occluding it with non-target (distracter) symbols of the same or different color. Performance measures, which included speed, accuracy, number of selection tool uses and time-outs, were obtained for 144 trials per participant. Results showed color-filled NATO symbols yielded faster, more accurate performance than stroke-drawn NTDS symbols for all but the total overlap condition. Significant two-way interactions were also obtained between the symbol set and selection tool factors, with results showing poorer overall performance for participants in the NTDS-click tool condition. The practical applications and design implications of these findings are discussed, along with specific recommendations for improving operator performance when using color-filled NATO symbols in dense tactical track environments.
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