Decorative and indicative contrast: When a Good Thing Goes Bad

Ozcelik et al. used eye tracking technology to show that students performed better at recognizing and recalling key information when information was highlighted through color changes. Conversely, Canham and Hegarty showed that information graphics with larger blocks of information undifferentiated by indicators of key information can hinder user performance in information retention tasks. However, both studies point to conclusions that most designers already know: keep your information simple or else make the key points of information stand out. Studies like these primarily considered information-bearing design elements (i.e., textual elements), and left untested those decorative elements that evoke emotional responses rather than information per se: color, nonindicative imagery, and typeface choices, for instance. This study used eye tracking data to investigate whether extra information, extra indicative strategies, or extra decorative elements interfered more with user experience. Prior research has suggested that users are generally more tolerant of indicative contrasts than of excess decoration. With eye tracking data from both US and international student participants, this study is able to more precisely pinpoint which added visual elements are most difficult to navigate and whether significant differences in eye tracking patterns can be detected across cultures.