Abstract
In this article, we report the differences in eye movement between experts and novices
in “Mind Map,” a graphical note-taking method. Using a total of six different mind
maps, we examine how subjects' eye movements followed the basic structure of each
Mind Map stimulus. Each subject was asked to comprehend the content of the mind
maps on a display. By using an eye-tracker built into the display, we were able to obtain
both subjects’ gaze information and eye-movements without restraining their natural
observing behavior.
Our findings indicate that while novices observe the mind map on a branch-to-branch
basis, as if they were following the note-taking process itself, experts first browse key
information located around the central image of the note, then move onto more de
tailed content. That is, while novice Mind Mappers thoroughly scan entire branches
attached to a trunk, and then shift their attention to the next trunk, experienced Mind
Mappers first browse the trunk, possibly to obtain a general idea of what the mind map
is about, then shift their attention to detailed branches. This appears as though they
were spontaneously building their own table-of-contents.
