Using augmented reality for visualizing complex graphs in three dimensions

Abstract

In this paper we explore the effect of using augmented reality (AR) for three-dimensional graph link analysis. Two experiments were conducted. The first was designed to compare a tangible AR interface to a desktop-based interface. Different modes of viewing network graphs were presented using a variety of interfaces. The results of the first experiment show that a tangible AR interface is well suited to link analysis. The second experiment was designed to test the effect of stereographic viewing on graph comprehension. The results show that stereographic viewing has little effect on comprehension and performance. These experiments add support to the work of Ware and Frank, whose studies showed that depth and motion cues provide huge gains in spatial comprehension and accuracy in link analysis.