Retzzles: Do Jigsaw Puzzle Actions on Interactive Display Maps Increase the Retention of Map Information?

Abstract

While maps provide upfront content, this might not always be the most effective way for users to remember information. With the proliferation of interactive displays for tourists and visitors in public spaces, we can create a more playful user experience with maps than just exploring them. Adding interactions with the map could also help users retain more information as they use them. In this paper, we investigated whether completing a jigsaw puzzle of a map supports users in retaining more information about a specific map. The results of a between-subject study with a sample of n=28 indicate that additional interaction helped improve mean scores of textual and spatial recall but not visual recall. However, the results are not statistically significant, and the topic is subject to further investigation. Our findings contribute to discussions on using interactive touchscreen displays in similar learning scenarios involving memory retention.