Abstract: In order to refine a program (display.c) developed for the purpose of objectively measuring screen formats, a study was performed both to investigate the accuracy and sensitivity of the algorithms measuring format variables and to determine what variables are used by "experts" to judge screen layouts. The program algorithms were evaluated by running through the program displays with varying format structures. A multiple scaling approach was used to determine which factors were used by experts, designers, and students in judging screen layouts. Expert judgments of "ease of use" were used as a test of the accuracy of display.c's prediction of display usability. Results indicated that although most of the physical measurements of display.c were reasonable, grouping algorithms and ease of use prediction needed revision to better reflect expert judgments.

Keywords: Design; Display format; Empirical studies; Evaluation, subjective; Evaluation; Layout; Screen output

Originally published: Proceedings of the Human Factors Society 30th Annual Meeting, 1986, pp. 689-693

Republished: G. Perlman, G. K. Green, & M. S. Wogalter (Eds.) Human Factors Perspectives on Human-Computer Interaction: Selections from Proceedings of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meetings, 1983-1994, Santa Monica, CA: HFES, 1995, pp. 43-47.