Influence of the Optical Aspects of Photographic Composition on the User Experience in the Issues Related to Decision Making, Choices and Level of Visual Comfort

Abstract

This article investigates the level of influence of the optical aspects of image composition on the issues and consequent problems of the user experience. This work is part of the research project n. 461710-JOR-013-2019/1 (registered in the Unicap Research Database and approved by the CCP at an ordinary meeting on 09/October/2018) “Virtual environments: influence of the optical aspects of image composition on the quality of user experience” coordinated by Dr. Marcia Campos. The objective was to collect data relative to the perception/reaction of the user versus levels of optical contrasts of the image composition. Therefore, to investigate this level of influence, an experiment was carried out in two stages: the first step consisted of producing 17 images with specific characteristics of visual representation covering various levels of contrasts of the optical aspects for each image. The second step was the application of questionnaires with users, with questions based on the images produced in the first stage. The results indicate evidences of the correlation of the optical aspects of image composition with the reactions choices from the users; such as, time spent for decision making and choices about the images regarding elements of the scene and level of visual and physical discomfort. The evidence point to the results that optical aspects of image composition, mainly the representation of its levels of contrasts, are relevant for the quality of the user experience concerning both physical and psychological perception issues.