Assessment of Static and Dynamic Image Presentation for User Cognition and Understanding

The internet supports users who want to locate information with minimal search while remaining engaged. Using a graphical approach for data presentation supports both information and engagement, but it is unknown if static or dynamic graphical display improves cognitive function. Both displays provide information to the viewer, but they are different in functionality and implementation. Static images are still images represented as a PNG, JPEG or PDF, without hidden layers and interactivity. In contrast, dynamic or Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) images have more flexibility, and different approaches can support interaction with the image. Layers can be hidden which can be revealed by the viewer. Dynamic images hold data that tell the same story but from different viewpoints. In this research, pandemic data including case rate, vaccination rate, and mortality rate data for different states is used. The scope of the data remains the same, with the values varying based on the geographic region or state. The research investigates the effectiveness of interactive visuals to improve cognitive function. Two images, one static and one dynamic, were sequentially presented to viewers, followed by a series of questions after each image to test the user’s cognition. The analyzed responses to the questions conclude whether the dynamic image improved cognition when compared to the static image. The research showed that users preferred dynamic images by a factor of 2 to 1, with the users preferring the interactivity of the image. Further research will fully determine changes in user cognition and understanding.