Displaying multi-domain graphical databases: An evaluation of scanning clutter, display size, and user activity

Display designers are often given the challenge of placing a large amount of information within a limited amount of display ‘real estate’. One possible solution to the problem is combining databases of information pertaining to the same spatial area into one, integrated display, reducing the amount of scanning required and allowing information to be presented in a larger display. On the other hand, integration will also increase the clutter of the displays. The effects of clutter may be mitigated through the use of decluttering techniques, but some of these solutions may require additional user interactivity. In the experiment, student pilots used six display configurations to answer multiple choice questions about the current airspace situation. Two databases, a navigation database and an air hazard database, were presented in each display. In addition, the type of question (focused or divided attention) was manipulated to assess the effects of the task on display performance. Responses were faster when the databases were integrated than separated, particularly when questions required integration across both databases, where accuracy also was greater. These results suggest that the combined benefits of reduced scanning and larger display size outweigh the costs of clutter. Interaction of any sort imposed a time cost, which was greatest when the questions involved both databases.