The Role of Interface Style in Planning during Problem Solving

It is argued that support from an interface during problem solving can make interaction easier. Interfaces often display relevant information, making recall unnecessary and relieving working memory, called externalization. However, externalizing information might not necessarily instigate planning, understanding and knowledge acquisition from the user. In previous studies, the effects of externalizing information in an interface not always converged. We describe an experiment investigating the influences of (1) inducement to plan and (2) externalizing information on problem solving. Contrary to others’ findings, no advantages of externalization were found. Instead, NOT externalizing (requiring internalization) yielded advantages and facilitated planning from the user.