Beyond Time and Accuracy: Strategies in Visual Problem-Solving

• DOI: 10.31219/osf.io/emydq_v2
• Publication Date: 2025-03-14T17:08:01Z
• Authors: Eric Moerth; Zona Kostic; Nils Gehlenborg; Hanspeter Pfister; Johanna Beyer; Carolina Nobre

In this paper, we explore viewers’ strategies in visual problem-solving tasks. We build on the traditional metrics of accuracy and time to better understand learning that occurs as individuals interact with visualizations. conducted an in-lab eye-tracking user study 53 participants from diverse demographic backgrounds. Using questions Visualization Literacy Assessment Test (VLAT), examined participants’ strategies. employed a mixed-methods approach capturing quantitative data performance gaze patterns, well qualitative through think-alouds sketches by they reported their approach. Our analysis reveals not only various cognitive leading correct answers but also nature mistakes conceptual misunderstandings underlie them. This research contributes enhancement visualization design guidelines incorporating insights into processes users.