The Empirical Study of Trajectory-based Tasks in Pen plus touch Interfaces

Trajectory-based tasks are quite common in pen+touch interfaces. However, there is a lack on empirical knowledge of directly using fingers to perform trajectory-based tasks in the steering law paradigm. In this study we investigate the human ability of using fingers to perform trajectory-based tasks in pen+touch interfaces. A controlled experiment is designed and conducted, involving the DH and NDH manners. The experiment shows that when using fingers to perform steering tasks the minimum width of steering task tunnel is about 60 pixels. When using the dominant (DH) or non-dominant hand (NDH) to conduct steering tasks there is no significant difference between the two manners for the steering time and the error rate. The current work provides the empirical knowledge as basis for future research and design of finger performance applications.