Computer icons and navigation
DISSERTATION
Judith Lerch Wooderson, University of Wyoming, United States
University of Wyoming . Awarded
Abstract
Computer users need to recognize and use elements of the browser-based graphical user interface. To assist adult learners and users, developers need to design computer icons that are meaningful, functional, and enabling for navigational tasks. McNair (1996) suggested that users who are literate in traditional map symbols would be able to more easily recognize computer icons that are based upon these map symbols. In this study participants were asked to identify selected common computer icons and traditional map symbols on Web-based surveys. This study was conducted on line using comparisons of data obtained from a purposive on line sample and an on site sample.
The results indicated an overall correlation between the percentages of correct computer icons and map symbols to be 0.945 for the on line sample and 0.981 for the on site respondents. In addition, there were moderate to high correlations between these two data sets when normalized to specific user characteristics including age groups, ethnicity, and map reading ability for respondents in both sample groups. The results of the responses for educational level, hours spent using the computer, computer use, and software products used were mixed for the two sample groups.
The computer icons were presented on line to the participants without the usual textual descriptors, or Tooltips®. The respondents were not able to consistently identify selected computer icons presented without these descriptors. Computer icons that use everyday objects metaphorically are intuitive (Okoye, 1998) and the most useful. However, not all of the respondents identified the tasks represented by metaphorical symbols correctly.
Toward this end, although not part of this study, there is a need for an instrument that can be used to evaluate visual literacy in new and adult learners prior to computer training. At the present time an instrument for evaluating visual literacy competencies, as related to the elements of a graphical user interface, is not available. In the future, adult educators will need to assess existing competencies of students to provide individualized instruction via a virtual learning site. In addition, further studies need to consider images from other sign systems as possible indicators of visual literacy for computer icons.
Citation
Wooderson, J.L. Computer icons and navigation. Ph.D. thesis, University of Wyoming. Retrieved August 7, 2024 from https://www.learntechlib.org/p/128102/.
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