Question

"Fitts's law" predicts nearer, wider targets are faster to select than farther, narrower targets. Shown below are parts of two Indian language virtual keyboards X and Y that demonstrate the input of a vowel modifier (matra) in Indian scripts. In each case, the first image shows the initial interface, and the second image shows the interface after the user touches a consonant. In both cases, the user selects the desired vowel modifier by sliding his finger towards it. Which of the statements below is TRUE, as per Fitts’s law?

• A. Users would select vowel modifiers on interface X in less time than on interface Y.
• B. Users would select vowel modifiers on interface Y in less time than on interface X.
• C. Users would select vowel modifiers on both interfaces in the same amount of time.
• D. Fitts’s law will have no effect on vowel modifier selection speeds.

Hint:

Fitts’s law suggests that to improve selection speed, make targets larger and place them closer to the user’s starting position.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Analyzing Fitts's Law.
Fitts's law states that the time to acquire a target is a function of the distance to the target and its size. Larger, closer targets are selected faster than smaller, farther targets.
Step 2: Comparing the two interfaces.
- Interface X has wider targets (vowel modifiers), so according to Fitts's law, users would select them more quickly. - Interface Y has narrower targets, which would take longer to select, as they require more precise movements over a greater distance.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Option (A) is correct, as interface X is faster for selecting vowel modifiers due to its larger, wider targets.
\[ \boxed{(A) \, \text{Users would select vowel modifiers on interface X in less time than on interface Y.}} \]