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Reason for user preference for curved chords over straight chords in PAD visual feedback

Determine the reason users prefer curved chord-shaped preview connectors over straight connectors when highlighting predicted GUI targets in the Preview-Accept-Discard (PAD) interface, and characterize the specific factors that drive this preference within the PAD context.

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Background

PAD displays predicted targets using overlay chords that visually connect the current cursor position to the suggested GUI element. During prototype testing, participants consistently favored curved connectors over straight ones for this preview cue.

The paper notes that this observation aligns with broader perceptual findings that curvature is often judged more pleasant, but explicitly states that the reason for this preference in the PAD setting is unknown, highlighting a concrete gap in understanding the visual feedback design for predictive, low-motion interfaces.

References

Curved chord shapes were unanimously preferred over straight ones, consistent with general perceptual findings that curved shapes are judged more pleasant [16]. The reason is unknown.

— Preview, Accept or Discard? A Predictive Low-Motion Interaction Paradigm (2511.10532 - Berengueres, 13 Nov 2025) in Section 4.3 (Visual Feedback)