May 9, 2012 @ 09:30, Room: 16AB
Chair: Luciano Gamberini, University of Padova, Italy
Analysis Within and Between Graphs: Observed User Strategies in Immunobiology Visualization - Note
Contribution & Benefit: Focused task analysis of a real-world scientific visualization process in the immunology domain. Suggests a classification of strategies in this domain and how this classification can be used to guide design.
Abstract » We present an analysis of two user strategies in interactive data analysis, based on an observational study of four researchers in the immunology domain. Screen captures, video records, interviews, and verbal protocols are used to analyze common procedures in this type of visual data analysis, as well as how these procedures differ among these users. Our findings present a case where skilled users can approach a similar problem with diverging analysis strategies. In the group we observed, strategies fell within two broad categories: within-graph analysis, in which a user generates a few graph layouts and interacts heavily within them, and between-graph analysis, in which a user generates a series of graphs and switches between them in sequence. Differences in strategies lead to distinct interaction patterns, and are likely to be best supported by different interface designs. We characterize these observed strategies and discuss their implications for scientific visualization design and evaluation.
ACMUnderstanding the Verbal Language and Structure of End-User Descriptions of Data Visualizations - Note
Contribution & Benefit: Exploratory study of the verbal language employed by end users in describing data visualizations. Can assist designers of interfaces (languages, APIs, GUIs) for data visualization.
Abstract » Tools exist for people to create visualizations with their data; however, they are often designed for programmers or they restrict less technical people to pre-defined templates. This can make creating novel, custom visualizations difficult for the average person. For example, existing tools typically do not support syntax or interaction techniques that are natural to end users. To explore how to support a more natural production of data visualizations by end users, we conducted an exploratory study to illuminate the structure and content of the language employed by end users when describing data visualizations. We present our findings from the study and discuss their design implications for future visualization languages and toolkits.
ACMGraphTrail: Analyzing Large Multivariate, Heterogeneous Networks while Supporting Exploration History - Paper
Contribution & Benefit: Visualization design for exploring large multivariate, heterogeneous networks using attribute aggregation while integrating users' exploration history directly in the workspace. This improves exploration recall and sharing of analyses with others.
Abstract » Exploring large network datasets, such as scientific collaboration networks, is challenging because they often contain a large number of nodes and edges in several types and with multiple attributes. Analyses of such networks are often long and complex, and may require several sessions by multiple users. Therefore, it is often difficult for users to recall their own exploration history or share it with others. We introduce GraphTrail, an interactive visualization for analyzing networks through exploration of node and edge aggregates that captures users' interactions and integrates this history directly in the exploration workspace. To facilitate large network analysis, GraphTrail integrates aggregation with familiar charts, drag-and-drop interaction on a canvas, and a novel pivoting mechanism for transitioning between aggregates. Through a three-month field study with a team of archeologists and a qualitative lab study with ten users, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our design and the benefits of integrated exploration history, including analysis comprehension, insight discovery, and exploration recall.
ACMTrust Me, I'm Partially Right: Incremental Visualization Lets Analysts Explore Large Datasets Faster - Paper
Contribution & Benefit: We contribute a methodology for simulating aggregate queries against large data back-ends for researchers to explore interactions; and observations of expert analysts interacting with approximate queries.
Abstract » Queries over large scale (petabyte) data bases often mean waiting overnight for a result to come back. Scale costs time. Such time also means that potential avenues of exploration are ignored because the costs are perceived to be too high to run or even propose them. With sampleAction we have explored whether interaction techniques to present query results running over only incremental samples can be presented as sufficiently trustworthy for analysts both to make closer to real time decisions about their queries and to be more exploratory in their questions of the data. Our work with three teams of analysts suggests that we can indeed accelerate and open up the query process with such incremental visualizations.
ACMInteractive Exploration of Geospatial Network Visualization - Long Case Study
Contribution & Benefit: Case study describing the design of a geospatial network visualization of scientific collaboration for a multitouch tabletop. Can help designers adapting prototypes by opportunistically demonstrating in live settings.
Abstract » This paper presents a tabletop visualization of relations between geo-positioned locations. We developed an interactive visualization, which enables users to visually explore a geospatial network of actors. The multitouch tabletop, and the large size of the interactive surface invite users to explore the visualization in semi-public spaces.
For a case study on scientific collaborations between institutions, we applied and improved several existing techniques for a walk-up-and-use system aimed at scientists for a social setting at a conference. We describe our iterative design approach, our two implemented prototypes, and the lessons learnt from their creation. We conducted user evaluation studies at the two on-location demonstrations, which provide evidence of the prototype usability and usefulness, and its support for understanding the distribution and connectivity in a geospatial network.
For a case study on scientific collaborations between institutions, we applied and improved several existing techniques for a walk-up-and-use system aimed at scientists for a social setting at a conference. We describe our iterative design approach, our two implemented prototypes, and the lessons learnt from their creation. We conducted user evaluation studies at the two on-location demonstrations, which provide evidence of the prototype usability and usefulness, and its support for understanding the distribution and connectivity in a geospatial network.