Visualizing the invisible: User-centered design of a system for the visualization of flows and concentrations of particles in the air

Abstract

This study presents two experiments addressing the representation of scientific data, in particular airflows, with a user-centered design approach. Our objective is to provide users feedback to data visualization designers to help them choose an air flow representation that is understandable and attractive for non-experts. The first study focuses on static markers allowing to visualize an airflow, with information characterizing the direction and the intensity. In a second study, carried out in an immersive virtual environment, two information were added, the temporal evolution and the concentration of pollutants in the air. To measure comprehension and attractiveness, participants were asked to answer items on Likert scales (experiment 1) and to answer User Experience Questionnaire (experiment 2). The results revealed that arrows seem to be a very common and understandable form to represent orientation and direction of flow, but that they should be improved to be more attractive by making them brighter and more transparent, as the representation could occlude the scene, especially in virtual reality. To solve this problem, we suggest giving the users the ability to define the specific area where they want to see the air flow, using a cross-sectional view. Vector fields and streamlines could therefore be applied in a virtual reality context.

Strategies for evaluating visual analytics systems: A systematic review and new perspectives

“…As shown in Figure 1, several interactive VAS have been applied in various application domains globally, where researchers have proposed and analyzed new techniques and discussed in detail how specific strategies might be applied to evaluate the system. [22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30] These researchers widened the scope of various applications by developing a framework that encourages the adoption of modernized design techniques in the visualization sector. Additionally, they also focused on establishing methodological insights while providing insight into specific areas of VAS evaluation.…”

“…However, as the data is large and complex, it isn't always easy to examine in a prompt and efficient manner as it consumes significant time and money. Although several existing evaluation studies and experiments are helpful, there is an increasing demand for alternative evaluation methods that provide measurable advantages that promote the comprehensive adoption of interactive VAS Christmann et al 24 Therefore, evaluation strategies' play an increasingly important role in many domains because users may obtain unexpected findings that challenge their preconceived opinions, prompt new ideas, and lead to significant breakthroughs. 34,35 Interactive VAS is used to gain insight into vast volumes of abstract data, such as tables, hierarchies, and networks.…”

“…Using heuristic evaluation, the mantra represents the summary data retrieved via experience, occasional empirical evidence, and practice designing visualizations. Christmann et al 24 extracted the usability problems through heuristic evaluation. They identified the issues with the usability approach.…”

An immersive virtual reality learning environment with CFD simulations: Unveiling the Virtual Garage concept

“…In another research, visualization of fluid flow in immersive environments was evaluated with a quantitative approach to understanding nonexperts’ interaction and experience. Statistical analysis was also performed to test different hypotheses to pinpoint significance (Christmann et al, 2022 ). Studies collected data and assessed features with a very limited number of participants.…”

Visualizing Invisible Environmental Data in VR: Development and Implementation of Design Concepts for Communicating Urban Air Quality in a Virtual City Model

“…The need for a multidisciplinary approach in the development of real-time 3Dsimulation tools is highlighted by Christmann [22], who emphasizes the importance of the human factor and to make data intelligible to both experts and non-experts. There has been an increase in usability studies focusing on the use of 3D-visualizations and VR within urban planning in recent years [14,20,[22][23][24]. A variety of projects have been conducted using 3D-visualization to communicate air quality data, aiming to display data for analysis, and raise awareness among the public [25][26][27].…”