title: Human factors aspects of pointing as an input technique in interactive computer systems.
abstract: The use of pointing devices to input to interactive computer systems is increasing. This paper considers the human factors aspects of the use of a range of these devices. A distinction is drawn between direct and indirect devices. A number of aspects of pointing responses are discussed with reference to the experimental evidence: that pointing is non-linguistic, serial, involves gross motor movement and relies on visual feedback. The overall speed and the extent to which it is a natural form of response are also discussed. The paper ends with some conclusions about the suitability of different devices for different tasks.
authors.affiliation: Ergonomics Unit, University College London, UK.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Whitefield