Developing Quantitative Guidelines Using Integrated Data from Sequential Experiments

The results of four experiments were integrated using empirical models and data bridging. These models can be used in the design of telephone-based information systems as quantitative guidelines. Ten independent variables including environmental, hardware, dialogue, and user factors were considered in four related studies. Three dependent variables (total search time, user-added keypresses, and message transcription accuracy) were evaluated in each separate study. Multiple linear regression was used to generate an integrated second-order empirical model for each of the three dependent variables. Overall, the use of integrated empirical models offers several advantages. First, both qualitative and quantitative design guidelines can be generated. Second, a broad base for generalization across several studies is provided. Third, interface design trade-offs are possible.