A perceptual process approach to selecting color scales for complex visualizations.

Abstract

Previous research has shown that multicolored scales are superior to ordered brightness scales for supporting identification tasks on complex visualizations (categorization, absolute numeric value judgments, etc.), whereas ordered brightness scales are superior for relative comparison tasks (greater/less). We examined the processes by which such tasks are performed. By studying eye movements and by comparing performance on scales of different sizes, we argued that (a) people perform identification tasks by conducting a serial visual search of the legend, whose speed is sensitive to the number of scale colors and the discriminability of the colors; and (b) people perform relative comparison tasks using different processes for multicolored versus brightness scales. With multicolored scales, they perform a parallel search of the legend, whose speed is relatively insensitive to the size of the scale, whereas with brightness scales, people usually directly compare the target colors in the visualization, while making little reference to the legend. Performance of comparisons was relatively robust against increases in scale size, whereas performance of identifications deteriorated markedly, especially with brightness scales, once scale sizes reached 10 colors or more.

The Cognitive Science of Visual‐Spatial Displays: Implications for Design

“…The model accounted for 87% and 66% of the variance in reaction times for two different graph formats and demonstrated that a less familiar graph (parametric graph) that is better tuned to the task requirements can be more effective than a more familiar type (function graph). Similarly, Trafton and colleagues (Breslow et al, 2009;Trafton et al, 2000) have used a combination of task analysis, cognitive modeling, eye-tracking, and verbal protocols to study how people extract information from geospatial displays, integrate information across different displays and variables, and to explain interactions between tasks and display format.…”

An experimental method for the assessment of color simulation tools

“…First, it explicitly differentiates between two aspects of color vision: the activity in the yellow-blue mechanism (a qualitative aspect, measured through h uv ) and the activity in the achromatic mechanism (a quantitative aspect, measured through L R ). It must be remembered that each of these aspects is usually associated with a different color use (Breslow et al, 2009). Second, this makes it easier to understand the consequences of a simulation error.…”

“…Color variations are frequently used to facilitate some visual tasks (Breslow, Trafton, & Ratwani, 2009;Yamani & McCarley, 2010). They include the localization (Remington, Johnston, Ruthruff, Gold, & Romera, 2000) and identification (Spence, Kutlesa, & Rose, 1999) of some kind of information.…”

“…something; Breslow et al, 2009). All the previously mentioned color uses (localization, identification, categorization, etc.)…”

Real-time in-situ visual feedback of task performance in mixed environments for learning joint psychomotor-cognitive tasks

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