Title: Cross-reality Immersive Visual Analytics
Speaker: Prof. Wolfgang Stuerzlinger (Simon Fraser University)
Abstract: Understanding complex data is challenging. While 2D visualizations are prevalent, research has shown that users can benefit from seeing 3D visualizations for some types of higher-dimensional data. Yet, other types of data are better analyzed in 2D. Given that efficient interaction is a key component of effective visual analytics, I showcase work that presents a new touch-based interface for 2D visual analytics. Then, I discuss a comparison of visual analytics in 2D and 3D, and several studies that analyze efficient interaction and navigation techniques in immersive visual analytics systems.
Building on this work, I present a new system to support cross-reality immersive visual analytics, where the user can seamlessly transition between analyzing their data in 2D on a desktop monitor and in 3D through a video-see-through AR headset. An initial pilot test indicates positive trends in terms of users’ performance time and usability metrics compared to the standalone desktop or AR counterparts. Participants also value the ability to validate insights across 2D and 3D. Finally, I discuss a roadmap towards next generation immersive visual analytics systems.