Data transfer : A longitudinal analysis of clipboard and drag-and-drop use in desktop applications

Woodruff, Jonathan and Alexander, Jason (2019) Data transfer : A longitudinal analysis of clipboard and drag-and-drop use in desktop applications. International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, 132. pp. 112-120. ISSN 1071-5819

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Abstract

Data transfer within and between desktop applications facilitates efficient data-centric tasks on modern computer operating systems. This data can be transferred via the clipboard (cut, copy, paste) or through more direct drag-and-drop actions. This paper presents results gathered during a 90-day longitudinal log study of 17 participants’ clipboard and drag-and-drop interactions. The paper characterises the frequency, time and type of actions, interaction mechanism, and whether the users’ computer configuration affects these findings. We found clipboard operations are more common than drag-and-drop operations (and drag-and-drop is rarely used by some participants), most data transfer occurs on the same screen for multi-screen users, clipboard and drag-and-drop operations are used for different applications and the applications used for clipboard operations align with previously reported results.

Item Type:

Journal Article

Journal or Publication Title:

International Journal of Human-Computer Studies

Additional Information:

This is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in International Journal of Human-Computer Studies. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, 132, 2019 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhcs.2019.08.005

Uncontrolled Keywords:

/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/3300/3304

Subjects:

?? clipboardcopy-and-pastedrag-and-dropdesktop interactiondata transfermultiple screenseducationhuman factors and ergonomicshardware and architecturesoftwaregeneral engineeringhuman-computer interactionengineering(all) ??

Departments:

Faculty of Science and Technology > School of Computing & Communications

ID Code:

136474

Deposited By:

ep_importer_pure

Deposited On:

24 Sep 2019 10:40

Refereed?:

Yes

Published?:

Published