Conflicting directional and locational cues afforded by arrowhead cursors in graphical user interfaces.

Task-irrelevant features of arowhead cursors may generate conflict during cursor placement within graphical user interfaces. Arrowheads can signify location, but also cue direction and feature in optical illusions. To address the influence of conflicting cues, 14 participants used arrowhead cursors (standard, oversized) pointing upward or downward to move to targets (7.5, 15-mm diameter) situated at the top or bottom of the screen. Compatible arrowhead orientation improved response initiation. Cursor size, orientation, direction of motion, and target size interacted during cursor movement. Overshooting occurred for oversized cursors in the direction the arrow pointed for larger targets. Larger compatible arrowhead cursors elicit less efficient cursor positioning movements that are more susceptible to illusory processes, posing implications for design of cursors and graphical user interfaces.