A cognitive-experiential approach to modelling web navigation

Flow experience, the degree to which a person feels involved in a particular activity, is an important influence on human–computer interaction. Building on Guo and Poole’s (2009) model of flow experience in Web navigation, and van Schaik and Ling's (in press) cognitive-experiential approach to modelling interaction experience, this research demonstrates the crucial role of the preconditions of flow experience in human–computer interaction. In an experiment, the preconditions of flow experience – but not flow experience proper – mediated the effects of artefact complexity, task complexity and intrinsic motivation (as a situation-specific trait) on both flow and task outcome. However, preconditions did not predict overall artefact evaluation. Within a staged model of flow experience, the broader implications of this work for human–computer interaction are explored.

Graphical AbstractThis research experimentally demonstrates the crucial role of the preconditions of flow experience in human-computer interaction. The preconditions of flow experience – but not flow experience proper – mediated the effects of artefact complexity, task complexity and intrinsic motivation (as a situation-specific trait) on both flow and task outcome.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► The role of the preconditions of flow in human–computer interaction is crucial.
► Preconditions, a cognitive component of flow, facilitate cognitive-task performance.
► The preconditions of flow experience have an effect on both flow experience and task outcome.
► This effect adds to that of artefact- and task complexity, and intrinsic motivation.