Arroyo, Selker., dateArroyo, Selker., dateArroyo, Selker., date

Abstract

In this paper we describe an experiment designed to study interruptions and investigate which modality is the most efficient while being the less disruptive. Five interruption modalities were studied: Heat, Smell, Sound, Vibration, and Light. Much more notable than the differences between modalities was the differences between people. We found that subjects' sensitiveness depended on their previous life exposure to the modalities. User interface design should allow for users to have appropriate stimuli and warning modalities, maximizing effectiveness of interruptions through proper modality selection. Individual differences then greatly control the effect of interrupting stimuli. . Keywords . Interruption modalities, interface design, modalities of interaction.