Towards a metrics-based framework for assessing comprehension of software visualization systems

Authors:
Harkirat Kaur Padda;Ahmed Seffah;Sudhir Mudur
Affiliations:
Department of Computer Science & Software Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada;Department of Computer Science & Software Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada;Department of Computer Science & Software Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
Venue:
Proceedings of the 2007 conference on Human interface: Part I
Year:
2007

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Abstract

Despite the burgeoning interest shown in visualizations by diverse disciplines, there yet remains the unresolved question concerning comprehension. Is the concept that is being communicated through the visual easily grasped and clearly interpreted? Given the vast variety of users and their visualization goals, it is difficult for one to decide on the effectiveness of different visualization tools/ techniques in a context independent fashion. To capture the true gains of visualizations, we need a systematic framework that can effectively tell us about actual quantifiable benefits of these visual representations to the intended audience. In this paper, we present our research methodology to establish a metrics-based framework for comprehension measurement in the domain of software visualization systems. We also propose an innovative way of evaluating a visualization technique by encapsulating it in a visualization pattern where it is seen as a solution to the visualization problem in a specific context.