Designing Interaction with Immersive Visualization for General Public

PhD Thesis Proposal Defence


Title: "Designing Interaction with Immersive Visualization for General Public"

by

Miss Qian ZHU


Abstract:

The rapid evolution of immersive technologies has democratized access to new 
devices like VR and AR headsets among the general public. With this trend, 
data visualization is becoming ubiquitous and spatial, catering to the demand 
for accessing and analyzing data anytime and anywhere. However, crafting 
effective interactions with data visualizations within spatial contexts poses 
a significant challenge.

First, general users are accustomed to employing a mouse and keyboard as 
input devices, engaging with data visualizations through WIMP-based (Windows, 
Icons, Menus, Pointer) graphical user interfaces. As data visualization 
transitions into spatial realms, it is crucial to explore how to help them 
adapt to new devices and contexts through effective and user-friendly 
interactions. Second, while researchers in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) 
and Extended Reality (XR) have devised interaction techniques tailored to 
virtual objects, data visualization presents a unique challenge due to its 
abstract and non-physical nature. This requires leveraging users' kinesthetic 
skills and examining the affordances of both immersive environments and data 
visualization.

In this thesis, I target general users and investigate the interaction design 
with data visualizations presented in immersive environments. I leverage 
people's inherent spatial perception and interaction capabilities to enhance 
their understanding, analysis, and creation of data visualizations on 
immersive Head-mounted displays (HMDs). Specifically, this thesis encompasses 
three key components: (1) designing and implementing interactive data story 
experiences to promote users' perception and understanding of immersive 
visualization; (2) crafting user-acceptable interactions to assist people in 
analyzing and using visualization in public environments; and (3) designing 
and implementing embodied interactions to support users in creating composite 
visualizations in immersive environments. This thesis contributes to the 
field of HCI, visualization, and XR by delineating new design spaces, novel 
systems, and interaction techniques for engaging with data visualization. 
Furthermore, it offers fresh insights gleaned from empirical studies to 
elucidate the usability and user experience of these interactions.


Date:                   Friday, 14 June 2024

Time:                   10:00am - 12:00noon

Venue:                  Room 3494
                        Lifts 25/26

Committee Members:      Dr. Xiaojuan Ma (Supervisor)
                        Prof. Andrew Horner (Chairperson)
                        Dr. Tristan Braud
                        Prof. Pedro Sander