Menu Design Based on Expert Knowledge Structures: A Validation

Abstract

This project evaluated the effectiveness gained by redesigning a user interface based on the knowledge structure of domain experts. Scenario-based simulation enables realistic training in synthetic environments. As the instructor remains essential to facilitating effective scenario-based training, their user interface should be efficient. Previous research modeled knowledge structures used to redesign a menu within a scenario generation interface. The current research evaluated the redesigned menu based on the ascertained knowledge structures. To evaluate the redesigned menu, participants were timed as they selected target items in the original and redesigned menus. Results indicated that experienced users selected items in the redesigned menu significantly faster, and preferred the redesigned menu to the original. Thus, this result demonstrates tangible benefits to organizing menus according to expert knowledge, even when users are familiar with a menu structure. Using methods that follow the general principles presented here will enable designers to uncover expert knowledge and efficiently configure user interfaces, thereby improving training effectiveness.