Differences in processing of interactive infographics on different screen sizes and interface types

Abstract

This study investigated how the use of interactive media, specifically infographics, on touch screen devices of varying size affects the user's cognition. Such research fills a gap in research on both interactive graphics and touch screen interfaces. Two experiments were executed. In the first, a 3 (screen size) by 2 (interactivity), and the second, a 2 (interface type) by 2 (interactivity) experimental design with screen size and interface type tested between subjects and interactivity tested within subjects. Guided by Lang's (2000, 2006) Limited Capacity Model of Motivated Mediated Message Processing, cognition was measured based on the participant's encoding and storage of the information presented in the graphic. Multiple choice and openended questions related to information presented in the information graphic were used to measure encoding and storage. Psychophysiological measures of heart rate and skin conductance were recorded to measure participant's levels of attention and arousal throughout exposure to the infographics. Additionally, self-report questions were used to determine the participant's perception of the graphic, its content, and the site hosting the graphic, as well as how "interactive" they judged the graphic was. The results of these studies provide valuable insight into how individuals react to interactive media displayed on mobile devices. With the drastic increase in use of touch-based tablets and phones seen since the introduction of these products, the results from this project are a valuable resource in considering how to go about designing media that incorporate capabilities inherent in the touch screen interfaces of these devices.