Optimal user interface parameters for dual-sided transparent screens in layered window conditions

Abstract

In this research, we assess a set of optimal user interface parameters for a dual-sided transparent display in a collaborative working environment. To provide an experiment setup, we develop a prototype that simulates a dual-sided transparent display using two conventional displays and associated simulation software. The user interface parameters controlled in the experiment include the transparency level and the overlapped (or layered) size of foreground and background user interface windows, where a target marker (being searched by subjects) is presented along with distraction markers. To evaluate the optimal parameter setting, we measure the response time and correct response rate from the subject input to both the foreground and background displays. From the pilot study, we found that appropriate levels of transparency and windows overlapping potentially enhance the visibility of a user interface realized on layered multiple windows. Based on this finding, we propose an extended user research, where a depth factor and a contour effect are employed in addition to the user interface parameters, which may enhance the user response time especially in cases where the windows are highly overlapped.