Formatting, Message Load, Sequencing Method, and Presentation Rate for Computer-Generated Displays

The work reported systematically examined four types of formatting (vertical, compact, chunk extended, and message extended), three levels of message load (two, four, and six units), four methods of sequencing (chunk, line, words, and unsequenced) and three presentation rates (0.25, 0.5, and 1. 00 sec/word). The first study was a repeated-measures design, in which 32 subjects were given all combinations of format and sequencing. From this initial study, one combination of format and sequence was selected for further study. The second study examined the compact chunk presentation for the three levels of message load and for three exposure rates. Recommendations are made for the optimal dynamic presentation of messages on computer-generated displays given limited viewing time. The examples considered here simulate the kinds of real-time messages flashed alongside highways to inform motorists of traffic situations ahead and to give directions for alternate routing.