Wetzel, S., & Bertel, S. (2018). Extraction of Time Dependent Physical Rotation Strategies. 14th biannual conference of the German Society for Cognitive Science, GK. Tübingen. Germany.
Fuchkina, E., Schneider, S., Bertel, S., & Osintseva, I. (2018). Design Space Exploration Framework - A modular approach to flexibly explore large sets of design variants of parametric models within a single environment. Computing for a better tomorrow - the 36th eCAADe Conference. Lodz, Poland: Lodz University of Technology.
Abstract
Parametric modelling allows to relatively easily generate large sets of design variants (so called design space). Typically, a designer intuitively moves through this design space, resulting in one or several satisfying solutions. Due to the theoretically large number of variants that can be created with parametric models, obviously, there is a high probability that potentially good solutions could be missed, which is not at least because of human cognitive limitations. Consequently, it is necessary to develop a certain strategy to support designers in order to search for design solutions. Even though, various methods to systematically approach large data sets exist, the application of them in the design process is a special case, firstly, due to the existence of many non-specifiable and subjective dimensions (e.g. aesthetics) and secondly because of the multiple ways how designers actually search for solutions. This demands for a more flexible approach to design space exploration. This paper investigates how different methods can be combined to support the exploration of design spaces. Therefore, a conceptual framework with a modular architecture is proposed and its prototypical implementation is demonstrated.
Wetzel, S., & Bertel, S. (2018). A Comparison of Mental and Physical Rotation Using Gaze-Based Measures. Spatial Cognition XI. Tübingen. Germany: Springer International Publishing.
Abstract
Over the past few years, a number of studies have reported on procedural similarities and differences between mental rotation and physical (i.e., manual) rotation of Shepard and Metzler-type stimuli. These similarities include comparable angular disparity effects and comparable final angular offsets in problem solving. This paper presents results from further comparisons based on gazed-derived measures obtained across the course of trials. In a within-subject design, participants solved the same tasks as mental and as physical rotation problems. We compare time courses of mean fixation duration and of saccade amplitude, and interpret these with respect to underlying mental processes and loads. The results point to additional specific procedural similarities and differences, which nicely complement the previous findings. The results are of additional, practical use for establishing how and when physical rotation can provide a useful proxy for mental rotation for purposes of process analysis, of ability assessment, and of training.
von Jan, V., Bertel, S., & Hornecker, E. (2018). Information Push and Pull in Tactile Pedestrian Navigation Support. In Proceedings of the 20th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction with Mobile Devices and Services Adjunct (S. 55–62). New York, NY, USA: Association for Computing Machinery. http://doi.org/10.1145/3236112.3236120
Abstract
For pedestrian navigation support, we report on how the feeling of being in control about receiving updates impacts navigation efficiency and user experience. In an exploratory field study, 24 participants navigated to previously unknown targets using a wristband which conveyed tactile information about targets bearing. Information was either pulled by the user at times of her choosing via a simple arm gesture, or was pushed by the armband at a regular, preset interval. While the push mode resulted in higher efficiency, more users preferred actively pulling information, possibly as this afforded feeling more in control. Interestingly, mode preference was independent of individual navigation ability. Results suggest that properties of the specific navigation context should be used to determine whether an interface offers push or pull modes for navigation support.
Zander, S., Yepes-Serna, V., Montag, M., Wetzel, S., & Bertel, S. (2018). A gender issue? - Process measures while solving spatial tasks on mobile devices. EARLI SIG 27 Meeting (Online Measures of Education). Warszaw, Poland.
Zander, S., Wetzel, S., Kühl, T., & Bertel, S. (2017). Underlying Processes of an Inverted Personalization Effect in Multimedia Learning – An Eye-Tracking Study. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 2202. http://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.02202
Abstract
One of the frequently examined design principles in multimedia learning is the personalization principle. Based on empirical evidence this principle states that using personalized messages in multimedia learning is more beneficial than using formal language (e.g., using ‘you’ instead of ‘the’). Although there is evidence that these slight changes in regard to the language style affect learning, motivation and the perceived cognitive load, it remains unclear, (1) whether the positive effects of personalized language can be transferred to all kinds of content of learning materials (e.g., specific potentially aversive health issues) and (2) which are the underlying processes (e.g., attention allocation) of the personalization effect. German university students (N = 37) learned symptoms and causes of cerebral hemorrhages either with a formal or a personalized version of the learning material. Analysis revealed comparable results to the few existing previous studies, indicating an inverted personalization effect for potentially aversive learning material. This effect was specifically revealed in regard to decreased average fixation duration and the number of fixations exclusively on the images in the personalized compared to the formal version. These results can be seen as indicators for an inverted effect of personalization on the level of visual attention.
Montag, M., Zander, S., Wetzel, S., & Bertel, S. (2017). Rotate It - Effekte touchbasierter Interaktion auf mobilen Endgeräten beim Lösen räumlicher Aufgaben im Mathematikunterricht der Sekundarstufe. MediaPsych2017 – 10th Conference of the Media Psychology Division. Landau, Germany.
Bertel, S., Dressel, T., Kohlberg, T., & von Jan, V. (2017). Spatial Knowledge Acquired from Pedestrian Urban Navigation Systems. In Proceedings of the 19th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction with Mobile Devices and Services. New York, NY, USA: Association for Computing Machinery. http://doi.org/10.1145/3098279.3098543
Abstract
We investigated the spatial knowledge that users of pedestrian navigation support acquire about the navigated area. In particular, we compare two conditions: A spatially richer condition, which provides continual access to information about route directions and surroundings via a local map at closest zoom level. And a spatially sparser condition, in which route directions are given via a tactile display and only as decision points come up. In a field study, 28 participants navigated on foot through a previously unfamiliar urban area. Data on resulting spatial knowledge, gaze distribution on environmental features, performance, individual spatial abilities, and user experience were collected and analysed. We were specifically interested in the route and survey knowledge that participants had acquired. The results point to advantages for acquiring route knowledge through using the sparser, tactile display condition and for acquiring survey knowledge through using the richer map condition. We conclude with discussing ramifications for the design and use of different types of pedestrian navigation support systems for different task scenarios.