Input Step Output

Unlike mainstream information visualization, ambient displays do not require active attention, which makes existing information visualization design and evaluation methodologies not readily applicable. In this paper, we present a new evaluation methodology for ambient displays. The methodology is then applied to a real-world case study, focusing on the effectiveness, efficiency, comprehension and distraction performance of four different visual cues for ambient displays. Our results show that the effectiveness factor order in ambient displays is animation, color, area and position. We also reveal how display-distraction influences the comprehension of ambient displays, and discuss a relationship between image change rate and data update rate. In addition, this paper proposes a measurement of efficiency from cognitive science and a quantified measurement of effectiveness in ambient displays. Finally, we propose four guidelines for ambient display design.