Icon Layout Study
Welcome to the visual search study on ‘The Effect of Icon Arrangements in Circular Layouts’ at the University College London.
To enroll in our study download the Layout Research app on the App Store®.
About our Study
Hexagonal layouts provide an alternative way of arranging greater amounts of round icons. A prominent area where round icons are employed are smartwatches. Compared to a grid layout, hexagonal layouts increase screen density while maintaining the same minimum distance between round icons as a grid layout.
Studies have shown that increased screen density negatively impacts search performance of grid layouts. It has also been suggested that the effect of organisation diminishes with practice. However, it is unknown how these findings apply to hexagonal layouts.
In the current software release for the Apple Watch, the app launcher is presented in a hexagonal layout. An in vivo study showed that people spend long time searching for apps on the Apple Watch. Another study emphasised that interactions with smartwatches are more brief and occur more frequently.
Thus, a layout that supports quick interactions by minimising search time is very important for smartwatches. To date visual search in hexagonal layouts has not been investigated. The proposed study examines the impact of hexagonal layouts on search performance and learning.
Eligibility for the study
You can participate in the study if you meet all of the following requirements:
- you are 18 years old or older
- you can read and understand English in order to provide informed consent and follow instructions
What Happens to Your Data?
Only UCL researchers will analyse these data. With your permission, we may want to use this data for teaching, conferences, presentations, publications, and/or thesis work.
Read more about our privacy policy for the Layout Research app.
Study Investigators
This study is led by Dr. Duncan Brumby and Tassilo Bouwman.
App Development
Feel free to use this code to create your own study.
The app is mainly build around Apple’s ResearchKit framework. For further details and documentation visit https://github.com/ResearchKit/ResearchKit
Support
If you encounter any issues or have questions regarding the app, please create a new issue on the github page.
For topics regarding the study or any privacy issues, please contact support@layoutresearch.org.
Privacy
What information about me may be used or shared with others?
The following information may be used or shared in connection with this research:
- All information collected during the study including search time for each trial, number of errors and preferred layout.
- Your age.
- The screensize of your device.
Why is my information being used?
Your de-identified information will be used to conduct and oversee the study.
Who may use and share information about me?
The following people may use, share, or receive your information for this research study:
- The principal investigator, study coordinators, other members of the research team, and personnel responsible for the support or oversight of the study.
For how long may my information be used or shared?
Your permission to use or share your data for this study will never expire, unless you withdraw it.
Can I change my mind and withdraw permission to use or share my information?
Yes, you may withdraw or take back your permission to use and share your data at any time. If you withdraw your permission, we will not be able to take back information that has already been used or shared with others. To withdraw from the study, just withdraw from within the app.
How can I get more information about the study?
If you have questions, concerns, or complaints regarding your participation in this research study, or if you have any questions about your rights as a research subject, send an email to support@layoutresearch.org.
All data will be handled according to the Data Protection Act 1998 and will be kept anonymous.
This privacy policy is effective as of August 8, 2017.