Reducing the graphical user interface of a dynamic geometry system

Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) of dynamic or interactive geometry software (DGS) allow users to interact with the DGS by using a computer mouse. Clicking on a GUI icon performs an action like choosing a construction tool or manipulating an object. For novices, it may be difficult to recognize and recall the icons needed for a task. Learning mathematics and learning the use of a dynamic geometry system at the same time could lead to cognitive overload. Several DGS systems try to solve this problem by offering different GUIs: expert users can choose between a wide range of icons, while for novice users only the most basic icons are presented. By preselecting a specific set of icons, a teacher can adapt a DGS to create a tool, which meets specific pedagogical demands. Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of reducing GUIs of a DGS. In experiment 1, which was carried out with full and reduced interfaces of the DGS Cinderella, the eye movements and gaze points of the users were recorded by an eye tracker. The time taken by users to find given icons in different types of interfaces was measured. In experiment 2, students measured the angle sums of polygons using the DGS Cinderella with a full or a reduced interface. No significant effects of GUI reduction were found in both experiments. The results are discussed and ideas for future research are presented.