The role of Depth and Gestalt cues in information-rich virtual environments

  • Authors:

  • Nicholas F. Polys;Doug A. Bowman;Chris North

  • Affiliations:

  • Department of Computer Science, Center for Human-Computer Interaction, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Mail code 0219, Blacksburg 24061, USA;Department of Computer Science, Center for Human-Computer Interaction, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Mail code 0219, Blacksburg 24061, USA;Department of Computer Science, Center for Human-Computer Interaction, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Mail code 0219, Blacksburg 24061, USA

  • Venue:
  • International Journal of Human-Computer Studies
  • Year:
  • 2011

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Abstract

Managing the layout of multi-dimensional visualizations is a crucial concern for the development of effective visual analytic interfaces. In these environments, heterogeneous and multi-dimensional information must be structured and combined into data representations that demand low cognitive resources but yield accurate mental models and insights. In this paper, we use Information-Rich Virtual Environments (IRVE) to articulate crucial tradeoffs in the use of Depth and Gestalt cues in text label layouts. We present a design space and evaluation methodology to explore the usability effects of these tradeoffs and collect results from a series of user studies. These lessons are posed as a set of design guidelines to aid developers of new, advantageous interfaces and specifications.