Modeling Learning Effects in Mobile Texting Inproceedings

Abstract:

No work on mobile text messaging so far has taken into account the effect of learning on the change in visual exploration behavior as users progress from non-expert to expert level. We discuss within the domain of multi-tap texting on mobile phone and address the process of searching versus selecting a letter on the keypad interface. We develop a simulation model that forecasts the probability of letter location recall by non-expert users and thereby models learning, as the user acquires expertise in recalling, with practice, session after session. We then plugin this probability within a model of visual strategy that combines the effect of different ways visual exploration: non-expert users search for a letter while expert users select a letter. The observed non-expert non-motor time preceding a key press (for a letter) correlates extremely well with the simulation results.