Application of Empirical Methods to Computer-Based System Design

摘要

Information was provided about the clarity and usefulness of different printout formats. Three forms of actual printouts each describing 20 profile flights were prepared. These printouts contained exactly the same information and were designated: (1) Verbal. Information was presented using words, phrases or sentences, (2) Data Block. Information was presented in blocks of data. Position and alphabetic code indicated meaning, (3) Eidoform. Information was presented on computerproduced, map-like printouts. Analysis of variance shows experimental treatment conditions to be significantly different. When variance due to practice has been extracted, differences in printout effectiveness are statistically significant. On the first trial, Data Block printouts were about equally effective, while Eidoform printouts tend to be less effective and harder to understand. Interview data support this finding. Differences due to order of presentation, test forms and practice are not significant. The feasibility of applying empirical methods to computer printout design has been demonstrated by this study. Actual performance scores and preferences of military users yield valuable information which can be applied to the design of future printouts. (Author)