Visualizing computer lab usage at Indiana University, Bloomington

Abstract

Understanding usage patterns of various university resources is important when making budget and departmental allocations. Computer labs are one of the most highly used classrooms on campus. In order to best make use of them, IT professionals must know how the variables of platform, seat count, lab location, and departmental association might influence usage patterns. After conducting user studies and developing and getting feedback on several iterations of visualizations the client's goals were discussed. Key goals in this process include seeing trends over time, detailed usage reports, aggregate data viewing, and being able to detect outliers. Four visualization techniques, consisting of geospatial maps, tree maps, radial maps, and spectrum maps were created to handle these goals. It is evident that a number of different visualizing techniques are needed, including static and interactive versions. © 2007 SPIE-IS & T.