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

Nikola Kovačević, Jordan Aiko Deja, Maheshya Weerasinghe, Klen Čopič Pucihar, Matjaž Kljun

TL;DR

The paper investigates whether engaging with map information through a jigsaw puzzle on an interactive display improves memory retention compared with direct map interaction. It introduces Retzzles, a Unity-based prototype that requires puzzle completion before POIs become interactive, and evaluates recall across visual, spatial, and textual modalities in a between-subject study (n=28) using NASA-TLX for cognitive load. Results show modest, non-significant gains in spatial and textual recall for the puzzle condition, with no improvement in visual recall, suggesting potential benefits of active, hands-on learning but highlighting the need for larger studies to draw firm conclusions. The work informs design considerations for public touchscreen displays in tourism settings and highlights the value of exploratory learning approaches, warranting further investigation into interaction design and measurement sensitivity.

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.

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

TL;DR

The paper investigates whether engaging with map information through a jigsaw puzzle on an interactive display improves memory retention compared with direct map interaction. It introduces Retzzles, a Unity-based prototype that requires puzzle completion before POIs become interactive, and evaluates recall across visual, spatial, and textual modalities in a between-subject study (n=28) using NASA-TLX for cognitive load. Results show modest, non-significant gains in spatial and textual recall for the puzzle condition, with no improvement in visual recall, suggesting potential benefits of active, hands-on learning but highlighting the need for larger studies to draw firm conclusions. The work informs design considerations for public touchscreen displays in tourism settings and highlights the value of exploratory learning approaches, warranting further investigation into interaction design and measurement sensitivity.

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.
Paper Structure (8 sections, 4 figures, 2 tables)

This paper contains 8 sections, 4 figures, 2 tables.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction and Background
  2. Retzzles: Design and Implementation
  3. User Study
  4. Results and Discussion
  5. Information Recall
  6. Time and Interaction
  7. Puzzle Specific Findings
  8. Conclusion and Future Work

Figures (4)

  • Figure 1: User completing a jigsaw puzzle of a map on the interactive display. When the jigsaw is completed the POIs on the map become interactive.
  • Figure 2: The map and interact-able Points of Interest (POI) of the Retzzles: Oxford Suites Hotel, Alderbrook Nursing Facility, Red Salmon Restaurant, U-Haul Moving Supplies, Sun Flower Caffe, Target Grocery Store, Bowlero bowling, Sunnydale School, The Tire Store, Costco Grocery Store and Sunnydale School.
  • Figure 3: Different conditions and stages of Retzzles. Top Left: the initial stage of the puzzle condition. Top right: One piece left; when it will be placed in the map will become interactive as in bottom left. Bottom Left: the initial stage of the map-only condition. Bottom Right: The information card opened when tapped on the corresponding POI.
  • Figure 4: Look at puzzle positions in the prototype Retzzles.