An Interaction Model for Long Pull-Down Menus
Hong-In Cheng, Patrick E. Patterson · The Ergonomics Open Journal · 2008
Previous studies have employed various models for exploring menu use, focusing mainly on short menus.In this study, long pull-down menus were examined in an item selection experiment.Our base model assumed that 1) the first eye fixation was located at the top, middle, or end of a menu depending on the search item; 2) menu scanning is either downward or upward; 3) the mouse was slowly moved downward from the top while scanning the target; 4) the user moves the mouse quickly to targets located at the edge of a menu; and 5) three items are scanned simultaneously.Additional models, developed by applying various assumptions, were evaluated.Experimental data showed that selection time increased based on item position and decreased for lower-positioned items in a menu having 28 alternatives, with more time needed for a menu having 50 choices because of scrolling.