Simple Nonvisual Interaction on Touch Tablets

Abstract

In this paper, we compare different designs for a touch tablet interface to support a simple, repeated task with high visual load in itself. A user-centered approach was applied throughout the development. Expert users were involved in the analysis, design and evaluation of an application for time tracking in a production planning environment. In a lab user study, touch gestures and multi-touch input outperformed screen buttons in terms of visual demand, while error rate and efficiency remained stable. A subsequent expert evaluation in the wild confirmed these results. This shows that for repeated tasks with high visual load, more complex touch interaction may be preferred than simpler but widespread techniques.