A mixing board interface for graphics and visualization applications

Abstract

We use a haptically enhanced mixing board with a video projector as an interface to various data visualization tasks. We report results of an expert review with four participants, qualitatively evaluating the board for three different applications: dynamic queries (abstract task), parallel coordinates interface (multi-dimensional combinatorial search), and ExoVis (3D spatial navigation). Our investigation sought to determine the strengths of this physical input given its capability to facilitate bimanual interaction, constraint maintenance, tight coupling of input and output, and other features. Participants generally had little difficulty with the mappings of parameters to sliders. The graspable sliders apparently reduced the mental exertion needed to acquire control, allowing participants to attend more directly to understanding the visualization. Participants often designated specific roles for each hand, but only rarely moved both hands simultaneously.