I am the principal investigator of the SNF-funded (Swiss National Science Foundation) project VISDOM (Vision to Visualization: Improving computational and human performance with highly realistic 3-dimensional geographic visualizations by means of biomimicry).
3D representations are visually attractive as well as necessary in many tasks. The realism that comes with 3D provides immersion and sense-of-presence, which are useful for experiencing places we cannot easily visit (e.g. Mars) or times we can no longer go back (e.g. historical Rome). The third dimension can also provide additional display space to represent complex information. But 3D is also troubling as it requires more computational resources and bandwidth from information processors (both machines and humans).
In this project, we address complexity (too much information), ambiguity (illusions), and performance problems tied with 3D visualizations, as well as fatigue/discomfort issues with stereo-3D displays. The focus is on exploring the interactions between aging, memory, and realistic 3D visualizations. With the PhD candidate Ismini Lokka, we conduct a number of experiments to better understand the impact and usefulness of 3D visualizations.
Role: Project Leader
External collaborators:
Prof. Andrew Duchowski, Department of Computer Science, Clemson University, USA
Prof. Alyssa Goodman, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, Harvard University, USA
Dr. Jan Wiener, Wayfinding Research Centre, Bornemouth University, UK