Hierarchical Data Visualization in Desktop Virtual Reality
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Hierarchical Data Visualization In Desktop Virtual Reality by David K. Modjeska A thesis submitted in conformity with the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Graduate Department of Computer Science University of Toronto © Copyright by David Modjeska 2000 Hierarchical Data Visualization in Desktop Virtual Reality by David K. Modjeska Ph.D. Thesis Department of Computer Science University of Toronto 2000 Abstract While desktop virtual reality (VR) offers a way to visualize structure in large information sets, there have been relatively few empirical investigations of visualization designs in this domain. This thesis reports the development and testing of a series of prototype desktop VR worlds, which were designed to support navigation during information visualization and retrieval. Four methods were used for data collection: search task scoring, subjective questionnaires, navigational activity logging and analysis, and administration of tests for spatial and structure-learning ability. The combination of these research methods revealed significant effects of user abilities, information environment designs, and task learning. The first of four studies compared three versions of a structured virtual landscape, finding significant differences in sense of presence, ease of use, and overall enjoyment; there was, however, no signifi- cant difference in performance among the three landscape versions. The second study found a hypertext interface to be superior to a VR interface for task performance, ease of use, and rated effi- ciency; nevertheless, the VR interface was rated as more enjoyable. The third study used a new layout algorithm; the resulting prototype was rated as easier to use and more efficient than the previous VR version. In the fourth study, a zoomable, map-like view of the newest VR prototype was developed. Experimental participants found the map-view superior to the 3D-view for task performance and rated efficiency. Overall, this research did not find a performance advantage for using 3D versions of VR. In addition, the results of the fourth study found that people in the lowest quartile of spatial ability had signifi- cantly lower search performance (relative to the highest three quartiles) in a VR world. This finding suggests that individual differences for traits such as spatial ability may be important in determining the usability and acceptability of VR environments. In addition to the experimental results summarized above, this thesis also developed and refined a methodology for investigating tasks, users, and software in 3D environments. This methodology in- cluded tests for spatial and structure-learning abilities, as well as logging and analysis of a user’s navigational activities. ii Table of Contents Abstract . ii Acknowledgements . Error! Bookmark not defined. Table of Contents . iii List of Tables . Error! Bookmark not defined. List of Figures . Error! Bookmark not defined. List of Appendices . .Error! Bookmark not defined. 1. Introduction . 1 1.1. Research Context . .1 1.2. Research Questions . 2 1.3. Thesis Perspective and Organization . 7 2. Related Research . Error! Bookmark not defined. 2.1. Introduction . Error! Bookmark not defined. 2.2. Cognitive Engineering and UI Metaphors . Error! Bookmark not defined. 2.3. Information Structuring . .Error! Bookmark not defined. 2.3.1. Semantic vs. Physical Models . Error! Bookmark not defined. 2.3.2. Structure Types . Error! Bookmark not defined. 2.3.3. Hierarchical Structures . Error! Bookmark not defined. 2.3.4. Experimental Results . .Error! Bookmark not defined. 2.3.5. Designs for Hypermedia and Spatial Worlds . Error! Bookmark not defined. 2.3.6. Discussion . Error! Bookmark not defined. iii 2.4. Physical and Information Exploration . Error! Bookmark not defined. 2.4.1. General Models . .Error! Bookmark not defined. 2.4.2. Mental Maps . Error! Bookmark not defined. 2.4.3. Wayfinding . Error! Bookmark not defined. 2.4.4. Hypermedia Environments . Error! Bookmark not defined. 2.4.5. Spatial Ability in Electronic Environments . Error! Bookmark not defined. 2.4.6. Discussion . .Error! Bookmark not defined. 2.5. Information Visualization . Error! Bookmark not defined. 2.5.1. Fisheye Views . .Error! Bookmark not defined. 2.5.2. Semantic Zooming . Error! Bookmark not defined. 2.5.3. Cone Tree, Hyperbolic Browser, and Butterfly . Error! Bookmark not defined. 2.5.4. Visualization for Information Retrieval . Error! Bookmark not defined. 2.5.5. Spaces for Public Information . Error! Bookmark not defined. 2.5.6. Visualizing Hypermedia Structure . Error! Bookmark not defined. 2.5.7. Discussion . .Error! Bookmark not defined. 2.6. Summary . Error! Bookmark not defined. 2.7. Conclusions . Error! Bookmark not defined. 3. Study 1 – Day, Dusk, and Night Worlds . Error! Bookmark not defined. iv 3.1. Introduction . Error! Bookmark not defined. 3.2. Methodology . Error! Bookmark not defined. 3.2.1. Apparatus . Error! Bookmark not defined. 3.2.1.1. Description . Error! Bookmark not defined. 3.2.1.2. Development . Error! Bookmark not defined. 3.2.2. Procedure . Error! Bookmark not defined. 3.2.3. Measures . .Error! Bookmark not defined. 3.3. Results . Error! Bookmark not defined. 3.3.1. Description . Error! Bookmark not defined. 3.3.2. Underlying Factors of Performance . Error! Bookmark not defined. 3.3.3. Effects on User Strategy . Error! Bookmark not defined. 3.3.4. Learning Effects within Blocks . Error! Bookmark not defined. 3.3.5. Experimental Control . Error! Bookmark not defined. 3.4. Conclusions . Error! Bookmark not defined. 4. Study 2 – VR vs. Hypertext . Error! Bookmark not defined. 4.1. Introduction . Error! Bookmark not defined. 4.2. Methodology . Error! Bookmark not defined. 4.2.1. Apparatus . Error! Bookmark not defined. v 4.2.2. Procedure . Error! Bookmark not defined. 4.2.3. Measures . .Error! Bookmark not defined. 4.3. Results . Error! Bookmark not defined. 4.3.1. Description . Error! Bookmark not defined. 4.3.2. Underlying Factors of Performance . Error! Bookmark not defined. 4.3.3. Effects on User Strategy . ..