A zoomable user interface for presenting hierarchical diagrams on large screens

Abstract

We present the design, implementation and initial evaluation of a zoomable interface dedicated to present a large hierarchical design model of a complex mechatronic system. The large hierarchical structure of the model is illustrated by means of a visual notation and consists of over 800 elements. An efficient presentation of this complex model is realized by means of a zoomable user interface that is rendered on a large Virtual Reality wall with a high resolution (3860 x 2160). We assume that this visualization set-up combined with dedicated interaction techniques for selection and navigation reduces the cognitive workload of a passive audience and supports the understanding of complex hierarchical structures. To validate this assumption we have designed a small experiment that compares the traditional visualization techniques PowerPoint and paper sheets with this new presentation form. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.