T-Layout gestures convenience comparison

Notes & Methodology

• This experiment is designed to evaluate the ease of access to essential interfaces within a web application, such as navigation elements. The methods of interaction considered, include traditional layout gestures (e.g., icon tapping) and the additional options offered by the T-Layout approach.
• The T-Layout is intended to cater to a broad user base. By supplementing the traditional layout with additional options, the user experience is enhanced, particularly for those who prefer thumb-based navigation on mobile applications. Those users are the vast majority of individuals today according to the findings of Mobile navigation and user preferences survey. Consequently, all measurements originate from the lower third of the screen, which is deemed the natural resting position of the thumb.
• The metrics recorded in this study include the time taken and the final distance between two necessary points. To prevent misuse and ensure results are as accurate as reasonably possible, each participant is permitted to take measurements only once.
• The coordinates and timestamp of the initial point are recorded when the participant taps the lower third of the screen from the thumb’s resting position. The coordinates of the second point are recorded when the participant either taps an icon or swipes to access a side navigational element. The timer ceases once a side element is partially revealed.
• The final duration is determined by subtracting the Unix Timestamps between the required actions, which is then translated into seconds.
• The distance between each action's reference points on the screen is calculated using the coordinates where each action took place and the Pythagorean theorem, to express the Euclidean (minimum) distance required, in pixels.
• Measurements of actions intended to achieve the same outcome are subsequently compared. For instance, the distance required to access the navigation menu from the thumb’s area (lower third of the screen) to the point where the top left icon is pressed, is compared to the distance required to access the menu by swiping from the same starting point. The same comparison is made for the time required to tap an icon until the menu is partially visible and the time to swipe until the menu is partially visible.