Two different methodologies (visual, memory) were used to evaluate alternative versions of the same configural display One version (composite display) had sev- eral graphical design techniques applied, whereas the other version (baseline dis- play) did not. Two types of information probes (high-level property, low-level data) were administered. When the displays were visible during completion of the probes (visual methodology), the display manipulation had the largest impact on performance (composite display associated with better performance); when the displays were not visible (memory methodology) the probe manipulation had the largest impact on performance (high-level probes associated with better per- formance). These results are interpreted in light of the mutually interacting con- straints introduced by factors in display design, task requirements, and the participants' cognitive and perceptual capabilities/limitations. Implications for both the design and the evaluation of displays and interfaces in general are dis- cussed. Actual or potential applications of this research include design techniques for improving the quality of graphic displays and methodological insights for interpreting previous research and guiding future experimentation.
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