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Dips and Ceilings

Understanding and Supporting Transitions to Expertise in User Interfaces

Introduction​

The paper investigates how user interfaces can better support users transitioning from novice to expert use, especially by overcoming barriers that keep users from adopting more efficient, advanced features. The study introduces a system called Blur, designed to facilitate this transition in desktop applications through calm notifications and command-line (CLI) prompts.

Target​

This study and system, Blur, are targeted specifically at desktop interfaces.

Key Insights​

  • Transition Framework: Users face barriers, like a performance dip and unfamiliarity with advanced features, which deter them from transitioning to expert techniques.
  • Blur's Design: The Blur system uses "calm notifications" and hot commands to introduce users gradually to CLI controls without disrupting the graphical interface.
  • Performance Dip Management: Blur is effective in minimizing the initial dip in performance that users experience when trying new command-based interactions.
  • Improved Performance: Blur demonstrated higher performance efficiency than traditional GUI shortcuts, enabling users to perform tasks faster once accustomed to the commands.

Supporting Data​

  • In an empirical study with 20 participants:
    • Transition Adoption: All participants adopted Blur within the first three trials, with a 100% switch rate by the fifth trial.
    • Performance: Participants using Blur completed tasks 17% faster than with standard GUI controls.
    • Preference: Blur was ranked highest in user preference, with comments favoring its efficiency and minimal distraction.

Other Insights​

  • User Adaptation: Blur's calm notification was largely appreciated as a subtle, persistent reminder of the CLI option, reinforcing incidental learning.
  • Command Recommendations: Blur's context-sensitive command suggestions (e.g., prioritizing frequently used commands) helped users access commands relevant to their workflow seamlessly.

Practical Applications​

  • Implement Calm Notifications: To ease users into expert modes, interface designers can use subtle notifications that don't interfere with primary tasks.
  • Offer One-to-One Mappings: Maintain a consistent relationship between GUI actions and CLI commands to reduce cognitive load when switching.
  • Optimize Command Suggestions: Rank command suggestions based on user history or context to increase efficiency.
  • Support Gradual Transitions: Enable dual access modes so users can continue to use familiar GUI interactions alongside advanced controls, promoting gradual adaptation.

Reference​

Joey Scarr1, Andy Cockburn1, Carl Gutwin2, Philip Quinn1 1Computer Science, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand