Multipurpose public displays: how shortcut menus affect usage

IEEE Comput Graph Appl. 2013 Mar-Apr;33(2):56-63. doi: 10.1109/MCG.2012.125.

Abstract

Transitioning from bespoke, single-purpose public displays to generic, multipurpose ones entails a number of research challenges. One such challenge is understanding how to group and present available applications to users and what effect this grouping has on application use. This study of an iterative, longitudinal deployment of a multipurpose public display examines two mechanisms that help users find the available applications: a quick-launch menu and a browsable application directory. Using the measures of relative and absolute utility, the study reveals these mechanisms' complex effects on application usage. It also addresses whether a public display should promote popular or unpopular applications.

MeSH terms

  • Computer Graphics*
  • Finland
  • Public Sector*
  • User-Computer Interface*