fokuskaarta

Fokuskaarta is a term originating from Swedish that translates to "focus map" or "attention map." It is a concept used in various fields, particularly in user interface design, information visualization, and cognitive psychology, to describe how attention is distributed across a visual display or a given task.

In user interface design, a fokuskaarta can refer to a visual representation that highlights areas of a screen that are most likely to capture a user's attention. This might be based on design principles like contrast, color, size, or position. Designers use this understanding to strategically place important information or calls to action where they are most likely to be seen and acted upon. For example, a prominent button on a webpage might be considered a key area on a mental fokuskaarta for a user navigating that page.

In information visualization, a fokuskaarta can be an explicit visual aid that guides the viewer's eye through complex data. This could involve using progressive disclosure, where less important details are initially hidden, or employing visual cues like arrows or highlighted sections to direct attention to key insights. The goal is to help users process information efficiently and understand the most salient aspects of the data.

From a cognitive psychology perspective, a fokuskaarta represents the mental model a person has of what is currently important or relevant in their environment or during a task. It's about what elements are actively being processed and what are in the periphery of awareness. Understanding how attention is allocated, or creating a visual representation that guides this allocation, is the essence of the fokuskaarta concept.