Incidental learning of spatially organized DSS interfaces: a case analysis

The author suggests ways that existing models of spatial learning might relate to spatial representations in highly interactive decision support systems (DSSs) that use spatial metaphors at the interface. The results of the experiment indicate that when spatial metaphors and artificial realities are used to organize human/computer interactions for decision-making, the users are subject to the same learning constraints and opportunities as they are with normal spatial realities. The findings indicate that it might be useful to examine the applicability of other experimental psychology results to problems in computing