User performance differences between graphics tablet and mouse in graphic applications: Focus on controllability and accuracy

Abstract

The performance differences between a graphics tablet and a mouse in graphical applications were comparatively analyzed. To measure the performance, an approach to quantify the controllability and accuracy was taken. The experiment was conducted on 20 volunteers, and the improvement of the skill proficiency of the test subjects was measured during 32 weeks. The benchmark test for the measurement was to remove a target image area from the background using the ‘path’ function in Adobe Photoshop within a set time limit. Keeping consistent the allocated amount of time to become proficient with a device, the results confirmed that, compared to the mouse, the graphics tablet showed a 40% improvement in control performance for operations with complex curves. Notably, for simple operations such as straight lines, no significant differences were observed. These results are expected to provide suggestions on the efficiency and suitability of input devices for professional graphical operations.