Publication
The Prevention of Mode Errors Through Sensory Feedback
AbstractThe use of different kinds of feedback in preventing mode errors was investigated. Two experiments examined the frequency of mode errors in a text editing task where a mode error was defined as an attempt to issue navigation commands while in insert mode, or an attempt to insert text while in command mode. In Experiment 1 the effectiveness of kinesthetic versus visual feedback was compared in four different conditions: the use of keyboard versus foot pedal for changing mode (kinesthetic feedback), crossed with the presence or absence of visual feedback to indicate mode. The results showed both kinesthetic and visual feedback to be effective in reducing mode errors. However, kinesthetic was more effective than visual feedback both in terms of reducing errors and in terms of reducing the cognitive load associated with mode changes. Experiment 2 tested the hypothesis that the superiority of this kinesthetic feedback was due to the fact that the foot pedal required subjects actively to maintain insert mode. The results confirmed that the use of a non-latching foot pedal for switching modes provided a more salient source of information on mode state than the use of a latching pedal. On the basis of these results we argue that user-maintained mode states prevent mode errors more effectively than system-maintained mode states.
Download publicationRelated Resources
See what’s new.
2023
Generating Pragmatic Examples to Train Neural Program SynthesizersUsing neural networks is a novel way to amortize a synthesizer’s…
2012
Exploring the Collective Categorization of Biological Information for Biomimetic DesignCategorizing biological information can be subjective and ambiguous,…
2019
Design optimization of dynamic flexible multibody systems using the discrete adjoint variable methodThe design space of dynamic multibody systems (MBSs), particularly…
2010
Programmable Matter by FoldingProgrammable matter is a material whose properties can be programmed…
Get in touch
Something pique your interest? Get in touch if you’d like to learn more about Autodesk Research, our projects, people, and potential collaboration opportunities.
Contact us