Exploratory graphics, memory and image features : testing their relations
U. Turdukulov, M.J. Kraak · University of Twente Research Information · 2007
Visualization assist the researcher in observing and exploring sensor data. Exploration is a process where attention, memory and graphics play an important role. This paper discusses the relations among them. Current visualizations such as animations often do not offer sufficient support for the representation of image features and their evolution. This results in poor memorization and as a consequence, in poor understanding of dynamic features present in the images. In this paper, we test two exploratory tools: an animation and the prototype that tracks the features in time-series of sensor data and visualizes their evolution. Both were used for same set of exploratory tasks and with the same participants. The test persons comprised a novice and expert group who were offered the tools in varying sequence. Test results indicate that the novice participants could answer questions faster with the prototype while there was no such difference for the experts. Both groups had a higher error rate while using the animation and both groups reported a higher satisfaction level with the prototype. Overall, the test supports the notion that the representation of image feature and their evolution should be maintained in the visualizations intended for exploration of sensor data. 1