Application of population stereotypes to computerized tasks

Abstract

Control-display configurations are the primary means by which people interact with machines and equipment. Regardless of the level of complexity, these configurations should be designed in accordance with the preferred responses of the user population to achieve a successful interaction. These responses are known as population stereotypes. This study examined whether mouse-click response tendencies adhere to Warrick's, scale-side, and clockwise-to-increase principles. More stereotype consistent responses were obtained for dial-turn questions than for mouse-click questions, implying that the movement of the control may be an important factor when predicting users' responses based on these three principles. These findings indicate that care must be taken when applying population stereotypes to programs that use mouse-click responses. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.