Landscape Orientation: Handheld Touch Screen Device Interaction

This research explored the effects of button position and screen layout of touch screens on a mobile device. Three dependent variables were measured: reaction time, errors, and perceived convenience. Thirty participants were required to select a rectangular button displayed on the device as quickly and accurately as possible. Twenty individual button locations were used. Button locations were grouped into exterior and interior buttons. Exterior buttons were around the perimeter of the display while interior buttons did not come in contact with any edges. Convenience was significantly higher for interior buttons for both dominant and non-dominant thumb conditions for small, medium, and large thumb sizes. Implications for touch screen design and layout were discussed.