Effects of Cursor Orientation and Required Precision on Positioning Movements on Computer Screens

Abstract

Arrowhead cursors used within graphic-user interfaces include implicit directional cues that may not be compatible with desired axis of motion. In addition, arrowhead cursors may not afford the best cues for location, and such effects may be exacerbated when there is a greater need for precise cursor placement. To address the impact of the cursor's orientation on its positioning, 12 participants were required to move cursors (pointing arrows) leftward or rightward to targets (small, medium, or large) on a computer screen. Response latencies were influenced by compatibilities between movement direction and cursor shape but only when moderate levels of precision were required. Rightward movements were slower and less accurate, and movements were slower and less efficient when arrows pointed in compatible directions. Implicit directional cues only elicited compatibility effects with moderate precision requirements. Arrowhead cursors compatible with direction of motion led to slower cursor movements and less efficient cursor trajectories. Where response initiation is important, compatible arrowheads are beneficial, but if speed of cursor placement is an issue, an orientation neutral cursor with area effect might be preferable, or a more direct interface (e.g., touch-sensitive screen) might be more appropriate.