A Study of File Manipulation by Novices Using Commands vs. Direct
Manipulation
A Study of File Manipulation by Novices Using Commands vs. Direct
Manipulation
Files
Publication or External Link
Date
1995-04-13
Authors
Margono, Sepeedeh
Shneiderman, Ben
Advisor
Citation
DRUM DOI
Abstract
There are three basic interactive styles of control in human interfaces
with computers: command, menu, and direct manipulation. In the past few
years, these three styles have become the subject of many studies.
However, few comparisons have been done between interfaces that use direct
manipulation and command styles. This experiment compares file
manipulation operations on the Apple Macintosh, which has a direct
manipulation interface, with the IBM PC with MS-DOS, which has the command
interface. After a brief training period, novices accomplished file
manipulation tasks more rapidly, with fewer errors and greater
satisfaction with the Apple Macintosh. Problems arising for both versions
are discussed and suggestions for improvements are made.
(Also cross-referenced as CAR-TR-264)