Thumb Movement and Touch-Based Interaction Heuristics in Smart Devices: Advances in Human and Smart Device Interaction

The goal of this study was to examine the effects of interaction techniques (e.g., swiping and tapping) and the range of thumb movements on interactivity, engagement, attitude, and behavioral intention in single-handed interaction by focusing on interactions with mobile devices such as smartphones. This study adopted the perspective of the hybrid definition of interactivity, which includes the interactivity effect outcomes mediated by perceived interactivity. A 2 (technological features: swiping and tapping) × 2 (range of thumb movement: wide and narrow) between-participant experiment was conducted. The results showed the ranges of thumb movement to have significant effects on perceived interactivity, engagement, attitude, and behavioral intention, whereas no effects were observed for interaction techniques. A narrow range of thumb movement had more influence on the interactivity outcomes, rather than a wide range of thumb movement. The implications of the finding were discussed.