The role of user interfact on markup language usage: Examining the impacts of user interaction (interaction mode) on performance and satisfaction when using a markup language

The role of the user interface is of key importance, since the mode of interaction can have an impact on both performance and satisfaction with regards to using a programming language. A well-designed user interface can improve performance and satisfaction, while a poorly-designed one can reduce levels of these. While markup languages are now widely used for web page and site design, and electronic publishing applications, they have not been studied adequately compared with other kinds of languages. The impact of interaction mode, in this case command-based coding, versus using a form-fill-in wizard, is examined, with respect to performance and satisfaction while performing a survey-oriented task. Skill level, which classified users as being either a novice or experienced, was another factor which was taken into account in this study. The results showed that the use of wizards brought about better performance than using the command language, and the difference between modes was far greater for novices rather than experienced users. In addition, using the wizard tended to equalize performance across skill levels. With regards to system satisfaction, there were significant differences between interaction modes, however no differences were reported between skill levels. These differences in performance and satisfaction should be noted and considered when designing interactive systems for programming-related applications.