Evaluation of 1D Selection Techniques for Mobile Visualizations

Abstract

In spite of growing demand for mobile data visualization, few design guidelines exist to address its many challenges including small screens and low touch interaction precision. Both of these challenges can restrict the number of data points a user can reliably select and view in more detail, which is a core requirement for interactive data visualization. In this study, we present a comparison of the conventional tap technique for selection with three variations including visual feedback to understand which interaction technique allows for optimal selection accuracy. Based on the results of the user study, we provide actionable solutions to improve interaction design for mobile visualizations. We find that visual feedback, such as selection with a handle, improves selection accuracy three-to fourfold compared to tap selection. With a 75% accuracy, users could select a target item among 176 items total using the handle, but only from 60 items using tap. On the other hand, techniques with visual feedback took about twice as long per selection when compared to tap. We conclude designers should use selection techniques with visual feedback when the data density is high and improved selection precision is required for a visualization.CCS Concepts: • Human-centered computing → Empirical studies in HCI.

Assessing the Design of Interactive Radial Data Visualizations for Mobile Devices

“…On the other hand, when interacting by dragging, the user pulls the indicator and thus sees the data change in real-time. In this way, the interaction provides continuous feedback on the position of the data [9]. We also described the "TRACKIT" application usage scenario to the users as follows: "Imagine it is currently 6 p.m., and you have opened your activity tracking application.…”

“…Numerous studies have been conducted on radial visualizations, covering various topics such as interaction [8,9], reviewing radial methods for information visualization [3], and examining different types of radial visualizations on smartwatches [10]. Some authors have proposed new types of radial visualizations, including hypergraphs [11] and intercept graphs [12], while other studies have compared radial and linear graphs [5][6][7][13][14][15].…”

“…However, despite the emergence of several radial visualization techniques since 2010 [5], only a few research papers provide design guidelines. Moreover, there is a lack of consolidated evaluation of mobile interactions for visualizations that require one-dimensional selection [9].…”

“…For mobile visualizations, an effective interaction technique is paramount, as it can determine the usability of the application and support the user's goals. Conversely, a frustrating interaction technique can lead to poor usability and hinder the visualization's effectiveness [9]. Our objective is to enrich the collection of best practices and advance knowledge regarding the subjective evaluation of interactive radial information visualizations on mobile devices based on our observations of user behavior and patterns.…”