What is the split attention phenomenon?
Split attention is a classic problem in user interface design that requires the user of a device to focus on two things at the same time. When you use a word-guessing program that uses the SAC, you will enter an ambiguous word about once in every three words. This means that you must constantly be checking to see that the system has picked the correct word for you. You must focus on the keyboard and the display. This is a split attention problem. The problem gets worse though, since you must also frequently choose your intended word from a list of alternates. Not only can you not focus on text entry, you must be scrolling through lists of words on a tiny screen hoping that your word will be one of the suggested alternates (it may not be). Eatoni’s WordWise is touch typable. You can concentrate on typing your text and trust that the system will get things correct. It’s so good that (in English) you can expect to enter about 440 words before it ever displays an incorrect alternate word.
