A method for testing graph visualizations using games

John Bovey; Peter Rodgers

doi:10.1117/12.704140

29 January 2007 A method for testing graph visualizations using games

John Bovey, Peter Rodgers

Proceedings Volume 6495, Visualization and Data Analysis 2007; 64950S (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.704140
Event: Electronic Imaging 2007, 2007, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

We describe a system that enables us to perform exploratory empirical experiments with graph visualization techniques by incorporating them into games that can be played on an internet site, the Graph Games Website (http://www.cs.kent.ac.uk/projects/graphmotion/). We present a general discussion of games as a test-bed for empirical experiments in graph comprehension, and explain why they might, in particular, provide a useful way to do exploratory experiments. We then discuss the requirements for games that can be used and describe some individual games including those we have tried on our own site. The main part of the paper describes our own experiment in setting up a graph-gaming site where we have carried out tests on the benefits of different graph visualizations. We discuss the design of the site, describe its underlying architecture and present a promising initial trial on movement in graph visualization that gathered the results from over 70,000 played games. We then present some statistical conclusions that can be drawn from the resulting data. Finally, we summarize the lessons that have been learned and discuss ideas for future work.

Citation Download Citation

John Bovey and Peter Rodgers "A method for testing graph visualizations using games", Proc. SPIE 6495, Visualization and Data Analysis 2007, 64950S (29 January 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.704140

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available