An examination of two types of timeline, linear vs. staggered: a mixed method approach

Engin Kursun (1) , Kursat Cagiltay (1)

1 Department of Computer Education and Instructional Technology

This study conducted as follow-up study to evaluate effects of two different time-based interfaces, linear and staggered. This study also tries to reveal users' preferences when they look for information in two different computer-based timeline. Explanatory mixed method design was implemented. In the first part, quantitative, there were 42 subjects. Results shows no significant difference between two types of computer-based time-line in terms of task completion time and answer accuracy. In the qualitative part, there were 6 participants. From this part, it can be concluded that linear arrangement is better when number of the items is low and staggered arrangement is better when scrolling is rare in vertically. However, staggered arrangement is preferred by almost all participants since they want to see whole picture of the system.

Keywords: linear timeline; staggered timeline

Domains: Technology for Human Learning

Engin Kursun, Kursat Cagiltay. An examination of two types of timeline, linear vs. staggered: a mixed method approach. Young researchers furthering development of TEL research in Central and Eastern Europe, 2007, Bulgaria. ⟨hal-00190070⟩