(A) study on the affective quality of interactivity by motion feedback in touchscreen user interfaces

Abstract

This study focuses on motion feedback as an element of interactivity which can be designed to enhance the user experience (UX) of touchscreen user interfaces. To approach UX, motion feedback was examined in terms of affective quality. This is because the affective quality of a system is an influential aspect of user emotion which is a key factor of UX. Affective quality refers to the feel or impression of a stimulus. Previous works on the affective quality of user interfaces have focused on static elements, such as color, shape, and layout. Nevertheless, motion feedback of interactivity is emerging as a potent element in today’s user interfaces. In this context, motion feedback needs to be examined as an element of affective quality as well. As a way to gain leverage in the design of today’s user interfaces for UX, this study aims to gain a better understanding of motion feedback design for the affective quality of touchscreen user interfaces. This aim was pursued through empirical studies in three stages. First, the significance of motion feedback on the affective quality of a user interface was verified. Three different types of motion feedback were implemented in monitor touchscreen interfaces which varied by application and content type. Experiment with these prototype interfaces showed that the affective qualities of a user interface are perceived differently according to the type of motion feedback applied, and that the level of influence varies by the contextual factors. With the significance of motion feedback verified, the second stage of the study was performed to raise practical understanding of motion feedback design for affective quality. Three generally applicable motion properties were examined for their relation to affective qualities in both the monitor and mobile touchscreen interface. For each motion property, the related type of affective qualities and the type of relationship were identified. In particular, the Effort system from Laban’s th...