An Interactive Augmented Reality Graph Visualization for Chinese Painters

Abstract

Recent research in the area of immersive analytics demonstrated the utility of augmented reality for data analysis. However, there is a lack of research on how to facilitate engaging, embodied, and interactive AR graph visualization. In this paper, we explored the design space for combining the capabilities of AR with node-link diagrams to create immersive data visualization. We first systematically described the design rationale and the design process of the mobile based AR graph including the layout, interactions, and aesthetics. Then, we validated the AR concept by conducting a user study with 36 participants to examine users’ behaviors with an AR graph and a 2D graph. The results of our study showed the feasibility of using an AR graph to present data relations and also introduced interaction challenges in terms of the effectiveness and usability with mobile devices. Third, we iterated the AR graph by implementing embodied interactions with hand gestures and addressing the connection between the physical objects and the digital graph. This study is the first step in our research, aiming to guide the design of the application of immersive AR data visualization in the future.