Effects Of Device Screen Size On Online Information Search Quality & Efficiency

Abstract

With recent advances in mobile technologies and the growing ubiquity of wireless network accessibility, online information search tasks are now being conducted on mobile devices with a broad range of screen form factors. Screen size is particularly variable among devices, though its impact on search efficiency and quality is unknown. This study investigates the relationship between device screen size and users' information search efficiency and quality. Thirty-six participants were tested in a variety of closed informational search tasks on three screen sizes corresponding to the Apple iPhone, iPad, and Macbook Air (13"). Although it was hypothesized that small screen size would detrimentally impact web search performance, analysis of results shows that informational search tasks were not significantly affected by screen size for measures of time on task, answer correctness, or perceived confidence or effort. The implications of these findings for mobile web searching are discussed. iii