Bullet graph versus gauges graph: Evaluation human information processing of industrial visualization based on eye-tracking methods

Abstract

This paper reports on an experimental study on industrial information visualization interface to measure the mechanism of information style, information complexity and task complexity on human information processing. Based on eye-tracking method, we conducted an experimental research study. The independent variables were information style, information complexity and task complexity. The dependent variables included time to first fixation and subjective feelings. A total of 40 subjects participated in the experiment. The main findings of this study were as follows: (1) information style, information complexity and task complexity significantly influenced the time to first fixation (P <0.05); (2) there is significant interaction between information style*information complexity, information style*task complexity, information complexity*task complexity (P <0.05); (3) the bullet graph provides more efficient reading than gauges graphs. Furthermore, the research results could provide an approach of using eye-tracking method for evaluation information visualization in relevant industrial areas.