Comparison of Tag Cloud Layouts: Task-Related Performance and Visual Exploration

  • Authors:
  • Steffen Lohmann;Jürgen Ziegler;Lena Tetzlaff

  • Affiliations:
  • University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany 47057;University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany 47057;University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany 47057

  • Venue:
  • INTERACT '09 Proceedings of the 12th IFIP TC 13 International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction: Part I
  • Year:
  • 2009

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Abstract

Tag clouds have become a popular visualization and navigation interface on the Web. Despite their popularity, little is known about tag cloud perception and performance with respect to different user goals. This paper presents results from a comparative study of several tag cloud layouts. The results show differences in task performance, leading to the conclusion that interface designers should carefully select the appropriate tag cloud layout according to the expected user goals. Furthermore, the analysis of eye tracking data provides insights into the visual exploration strategies of tag cloud users.