Human Factors Evaluation of Several Cursor Forms for Use on Alphanumeric CRT Displays

The results of an experiment to evaluate several cursor forms for use on alphanumeric CRT displays are presented. Cursor form and cursor blink rate were investigated in terms of their effects on operator search time in finding the cursor in a random location and their effects on tracking the cursor as it is moved between fixed random locations. Six cursor forms at five alternation rates were examined. The cursor forms were box, underline, cross, diamond, blinking, and wiggling cursors. Alternation rates were 0, 2, 3, 5, and 6 Hz. Based on results and additional criteria about the use of cathode-ray-tube displays, it was determined that, of the cursors examined, a box cursor around each graphic character blinking at 3 Hz is most effectively searched and tracked. Subjective evaluations support this finding.