@inproceedings{SigitovKruijffTrepkowskietal.2016, author = {Anton Sigitov and Ernst Kruijff and Christina Trepkowski and Oliver Staadt and Andr{\´e} Hinkenjann}, title = {The Effect of Visual Distractors in Peripheral Vision on User Performance in Large Display Wall Systems}, series = {Hancock, Marquardt et al. (Eds.): Proceedings of the 2016 ACM Companion on Interactive Surfaces and Spaces (ISS '16). Niagara Falls, ON, Canada, November 06-09, 2016}, publisher = {ACM Press}, isbn = {978-1-4503-4248-3}, doi = {10.1145/2992154.2992165}, pages = {241 -- 249}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Supported by their large size and high resolution, display walls suit well for different collaboration types. However, in order to foster instead of impede collaboration processes, interaction techniques need to be carefully designed, taking into regard the possibilities and limitations of the display size, and their effects on human perception and performance. In this paper we investigate the impact of visual distractors (which, for instance, might be caused by other collaborators' input) in peripheral vision on short-term memory and attention. The distractors occur frequently when multiple users collaborate in large wall display systems and may draw attention away from the main task, as such potentially affecting performance and cognitive load. Yet, the effect of these distractors is hardly understood. Gaining a better understanding thus may provide valuable input for designing more effective user interfaces. In this article, we report on two interrelated studies that investigated the effect of distractors. Depending on when the distractor is inserted in the task performance sequence, as well as the location of the distractor, user performance can be disturbed: we will show that distractors may not affect short term memory, but do have an effect on attention. We will closely look into the effects, and identify future directions to design more effective interfaces.}, language = {en} }