XFace, an X tool for presenting multivariate data, and its use with software metrics

Abstract

XFace is a tool for displaying on X devices multivariate data as graphical images called Flury-Riedwyl faces. The tool allows the user to map variables to facial features such as eye size, slant, and position; pupil size and position; eyebrow curvature, density, and position; hair color and line; mouth curvature and size; face line; and nose shape. Symmetric faces support up to 17 variables and asymmetric faces support up to 34 variables. The menu-driven tool was developed in C and uses X Windows with Athena Widgets for portability. The system was developed to display software metrics. A manager may map each module's metrics to a face so that a quick scan determines modules with characteristics that vary from the project norm and which may require attention.<>