An exploratory study of reading procedural pictorial sequences

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an exploratory study into the influence of picture content and verbal language reading directions on reading procedural pictorial sequences. A sequence of four pictures representing the procedure hrow away after use as tested in four graphic configurations (one-line horizontal, one-line vertical, two-line horizontal and rhomboid), which were designed to be read in specific directions. The same configurations were also presented with the pictures removed to explore the effect of content on reading sequences. The results confirmed that verbal language reading directions are generally used to follow pictorial sequences. However, when the graphic configurations used to represent sequences are unfamiliar and the starting point of the sequence is not clear in the configuration, pictorial content influences the reading direction.

Optimization of assembly instructions for a low-cost housing solution

“…Assembly instructions comprehension improved when labelling was introduced as well as grouping of the components per sub-assembly and organising them according to the order of the assembly. This was in agreement with widely reported literature (Madan et al, 1995;Richardson et al, 2004;Spinillo & Dyson, 2001) which stems from Miller's 'Chunking Theory' (Miller, 1956) which explains how cognitive load is reduced by the use of these resources.…”

“…We considered that introducing high levels of abstraction techniques could create misunderstanding and confusion. However, because these had to be used at times, the planning of the instructions required a careful mix of high-level with low-level abstraction items (e.g., keeping to strictly one high level abstraction resource per vignette), as suggested in reported best practices (Söderberg et al, 2014;Spinillo & Dyson, 2001). …”

“…We observed best practice reported in literature and distilled from practices in the assembly of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) and flat-packed consumer products (Agrawala et al, 2003;Heiser et al, 2004;Heiser & Tversky, 2006;Houts et al, 2006;Miller, 1956;Schumacher, 2007;Söderberg et al, 2014;Spinillo & Dyson, 2001). Three aspects of instructions were surveyed: the quality of the Illustration, the Viewing Angle and the Action.…”

“…[1] (Agrawala et al, 2003) [2] (Heiser et al, 2004) [3] (Heiser & Tversky, 2006) [4] (Houts et al, 2006) [5] (Miller, 1956) [6] (Schumacher, 2007) [7] (Söderberg et al, 2014) [8] (Spinillo & Dyson, 2001) The guiding principles for the planning and the presentation of the instructions described in this section allowed the design of an initial set whose suitability was assessed by iterative diagnostic testing. Details on the iterations that yielded an optimum version are presented in the next section.…”

Visual verbs

“…Actions have been imparted indirectly with sequences of images (Spinillo and Dyson, 2001), ghosting of intermediate positions, wavy lines around objects, and arrows. For all these techniques, users must infer the direction, force and other characteristics of actions, and there is no comprehensive body of research to show how comparably effective the techniques are in guiding user performance.…”