Constant information density in zoomable interfaces

ABSTRACT

We introduce a system that helps users construct interactive visualizations with constant information density. This work is an extension of the DataSplash database visulaization environment. DataSplash is a direct manipulation system in which users can construct and navigate visualizations. Objects' appearances change as users zoom closer to or further away from the visualization. Users specify graphically the point at which these changes occur.Our experience with DataSplash indicates that users find it difficult to construct visualizations that display an appropriate amount of detail. In this paper, we introduce an extension to DataSplash based on the Principle of Constant Information Density. This extension gives users feedback about the density of visualizations as they create them. We also introduce an extension that suggests improvements to existing visualizations.We have performed an informal study of user navigation in applications with and without constant information density. We suggest that designers take density into account when designing applications to avoid biasing user navigation in unexpected ways.

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INDEX TERMS

Keywords:
clutter, information density, information navigation, interactive graphics, visual interfaces, visualization, zoomable interfaces