Tests of Ten Control-Display Linkages

Abstract

This experiment tested ten different linkages between four displays and four control buttons on a vertically-mounted surface. The displays were arranged in a square and the controls were in a vertical column to the right of the displays. A single panel was used for all tests; different linkages were made by changing electrical connections. Eighty male subjects (eight for each linkage) were tested. The subject’s task was to push the appropriate control button as soon as a light appeared in one of the displays. Each subject was given 96 consecutive trials on the linkage to which he was assigned. Dependent measures were: times to first response, times to correct response, and errors. The results show that one of the ten linkages is best in terms of both time and errors. There are also some significant differences between certain other linkages. These findings hold only for those situations in which, for some reason, it is necessary to have the displays arranged in the form of a square and the controls in a vertical column to the right of the displays.

Originally published in Human Factors, 9 [2] (1967) 119–26. Reprinted by permission.