Exploiting interaction in dynamic graph visualization
Problem
The computation of a good layout is a crucial issue for the visualization of node-link diagrams, because of the perceptual prominence of position amongst all visual variables. In the case of dynamic networks the problem is even more demanding, since the layout has to change enough to reflect the evolution of the network, but not too much in order to not confuse the user. In other words, good dynamic layouts should aim for enhancing the perception of change while preserving the mental map. Empirical studies have shown that the optimal amount of preservation of the mental map depends on the data and the task. In our previous work [Federico et al., 2011], we have proposed an interactive technique that enables the user to continuously control the layout stability. Moreover, we have proposed a dual-mode highlighting technique to better support the visual comparison of subsequent states.
Aim
- optimize the interactive technique for controlling the stability of dynamic layouts;
- extend the dual-mode highlighting technique for supporting specific tasks;
- (opt.) design and develop new interactions;
- (only for theses) conduct user studies to evaluate the impact of all these interactions on the perception of dynamic graphs.
Other information
Paolo Federico, Wolfgang Aigner, Silvia Miksch, Florian Windhager, and Lukas Zenk. 2011. A visual analytics approach to dynamic social networks. In Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Knowledge Management and Knowledge Technologies (i-KNOW '11), Stefanie Lindstaedt and Michael Granitzer (Eds.). ACM, New York, NY, USA, Article 47, 8 pages.
http://doi.acm.org/10.1145/2024288.2024344