Secondary Task Display Attributes - Optimizing Visualizations for Cognitive Task Suitability and Interference Avoidance

Abstract

We found that established display design guidelines for focal images cannot be extended to images displayed as a secondary task in a dual-task situation. This paper describes an experiment that determines a new ordering guideline for secondary task image attributes according to human cognitive ability to extract information. The imperative for alternate guidelines is based on the difference in an image s ability to convey meaning, which decreases when moved from a focal to a secondary task situation. Secondary task attribute ordering varies with the level of degradation in the primary task. Furthermore, attribute effectiveness may be particular to types of visual operations relating to cognitive tasks.