Map‐based Visualizations Increase Recall Accuracy of Data

Abstract

Figure 1: We investigate the memorability of relational data represented with node-link (left-side) and map-based (right-side) visualizations; shown are a node-link and a map-based visualization with 200 nodes and 500 links from the LastFM dataset. AbstractWe investigate the memorability of data represented in two different visualization designs. In contrast to recent studies that examine which types of visual information make visualizations memorable, we examine the effect of different visualizations on time and accuracy of recall of the displayed data, minutes and days after interaction with the visualizations. In particular, we describe the results of an evaluation comparing the memorability of two different visualizations of the same relational data: node-link diagrams and map-based visualization. We find significant differences in the accuracy of the tasks performed, and these differences persist days after the original exposure to the visualizations. Specifically, participants in the study recalled the data better when exposed to map-based visualizations as opposed to node-link diagrams. We discuss the scope of the study and its limitations, possible implications, and future directions.

Visualizing Group Structures in Graphs: A Survey

“…The tasks are grouped with respect to their type: group-only task (GOT), group-vertex task (GVT), group-edge task (GET) or group-network task (GNT) that adding contours does not negatively impact the performance of network-based tasks and the GMap approach outperforms colored nodes with respect to group-based tasks. In a second study, Saket et al [SSKB15] report on experiments measuring the extent to which people remember the data depicted in these two types of group structure visualizations. The 40 participants of the study had to do tasks-including one group-only task and one group-vertex task-four days after being exposed to the visual stimuli.…”

Evaluation in the Crowd. Crowdsourcing and Human-Centered Experiments

“…The space of experimental designs for visualization studies can be described along multiple dimensions, several of which we describe here: [50], while studies that measure participants' ability to memorize visual information for an extended period of time may involve multiple sessions conducted several days apart [88]. -Type of participants: Studies may involve naive participants, or participants with a particular expertise or ability.…”

“…Graph revisitation tasks and simple memorability tests can be performed in crowdsourced settings, although drawing tasks will likely be much more difficult. Saket et al [89] present evidence that different visual designs can significantly impact the recall accuracy of the data being visualized, specifically, comparing node-link visualizations to map-based visualizations. This was measured by asking participants to perform certain tasks with both types of visualizations and later on asking them again to perform a subset of the tasks without the visualization.…”

Science map metaphors: a comparison of network versus hexmap-based visualizations

“…Work by Skupin et al (2013) evaluated the utility and legibility of self-organizing maps for mapping and understanding the structure of science. Prior work on the general legibility of network versus map-based visualizations of data showed that map-based visualizations do increase recall accuracy of data (Saket et al 2014, 2015). Other work compared animations with static visualizations of temporal graph layouts (Farrugia and Quigley 2011).…”