Résumé | Much effort has been spent on designing algorithms for the
automatic layout of graphs. Typically, the worth of these
algorithms has been assessed by their computational efficiency
and by the extent to which the graph drawings they produce
conform to pre-defined "aesthetics" (e.g., minimising the number
of edge crosses and edge bends, or maximising symmetry) that are
assumed to make the drawing easier to understand.
This talk will report on a long-term Human Computer Interaction
project which investigates the worth of these algorithms with
respect to human comprehension of the drawings
produced. Empirical studies have been conducted looking at the
aesthetics of static graph drawings, and, more recently, dynamic
graphs which change over time. This talk will outline the
experimental methodologies used and present the important results
obtained. It will also outline the current project which
investigates the importance of maintaining the user's mental map
when a diagram changes over time.
Dr Helen Purchase is Senior Lecturer in the Department of
Computing Science at the University of Glasgow. |