Methodology for Uncovering Motion Affordance in Interactive Media

Abstract

Interactive media allows the user to have control over navigation and interactivity with the information. The nature of interactive media is dynamic and changes through time. To support this dynamic change, the knowledge of how to communicate information efficiently beyond static representation needs exploration. Motion is the key element in interactive environments. Motion helps the user to perceive a change of state. The characteristics and capabilities of motion demonstrate its potential benefit to interaction, but there is very little guidance available regarding when and how to use motion in interactive media. Though Baecker and Small performed research concerning motion's utility in interface, questions still remain: "How do we design such animation so that they are clear and comprehensible, attractive and appealing? How do we prevent animation from being too complex to be effective? Such questions can be answered only through the extensive development of prototypes and through user testing" (Baecker and Small, 1990). By looking at motion systematically with regard to how users understand it, knowledge of how to use motion effectively in interactive media can be revealed. This paper examines the process of designing an experimental situation in which the meaning of motion can be revealed. Because the experiment was executed, data is analyzed, results are discussed and further developments are identified.