Users’ Performance and Preferences for Online Graphic, Text and Auditory Presentation of Instructions

Traditional technical manuals consist primarily of text supplemented by tabular and graphic presentation of information. In the past decade technical information systems have increasingly been authored  for presentation on computers  instead of on paper; however a stable set of standards for  such manuals has yet to evolve. There are strong beliefs but little empirical evidence to guide standards development  within companies producing Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETMs).

The current study compares three  different modes  of  instruction presentation for mechanical assembly tasks  (graphic,  text, and auditory), using a Wizard of Oz paradigm. Study participants preferred  graphically-presented  information and they completed the tasks fastest using this presentation mode. We found no significant difference  in performance  or preference between text and audio conditions. Nevertheless users indicated a clear desire  that  graphic presentation be supplemented by other  modes.  Study results will be useful for designers of multi-modal interfaces for online instruction systems.