Animation of node-link maps leads to improvements in recall, session evaluation, and consumer satisfaction

Abstract

The effects of animation on processing information from node-link maps and text were explored in this study. College students were randomly assigned to receive a static node-link map presentation ( n = 40), an animated node-link map presentation ( n = 37), a static text presentation ( n = 29), or an animated text presentation (n = 27). In addition to evaluating subjective experiences associated with the presentations, participants also were asked to recall the information 48 hours later. Participants evaluated the session as smoother when viewing animated maps than when viewing static maps or animated text. Consumer satisfaction ratings also were higher for animated maps than static maps, animated text, or static text. In addition, participants recalled more macrostructural information from animated node-link maps than static maps, static text, or animated text. There were no differences with regard to presentation or display format on the recall of microstructural information.