usability

Abstract: Maps are tools used by almost everyone in society for a va riety of applications. However, when maps are used with computers they are almost always used with small, low pixel count displays, such as desktop monitors. We per formed two experiments involving map usage with various tiled display configurations (one monitor, four monitors, and nine monitors). The first experiment focused on basic map navigation tasks and the second experiment focused on how to maximize the effectiveness of the details-on demand interactive technique with large, high pixel count displays. We conclusively found from the experiments that finding objects and route tracing in maps was performed on average twice as fast on the nine monitors as the one mon itor. We also found that participants on the nine monitor configuration had 70% less mouse clicks, 90% less window management, and a general accuracy and performance im provement over the one monitor. This indicates improved insight for large, high pixel count displays.

 maps;  navigation;  usability;  high resolution;  

Abstract: This paper reports work in progress on the analysis and visualization of the spatial and temporal distribution of user interaction data collected in three-dimensional (3D) virtual worlds. Two tools are introduced. The WorldMapper reads in a so-called propdump file and creates a 2D clickable map showing the layout of the world as well as interaction possibilities such as teleports and clickable web links. The second tool visualizes user interaction data such as navigation, chatting, and Web access activity overlaid on the world map. Resulting visualizations are meant to support social navigation, design evaluation and optimization, and the study of virtual communities. Both tools are demonstrated on a 19-person information treasure hunt for information in a 3D virtual world. The paper concludes with a discussion and an outlook.

 Information Visualization;  usability;  social navigation;  virtual worlds;  spatio-Ttemporal maps;  

Abstract: Sorry no abstract available for this article

 usability;