Constant information density in zoomable interfaces

We introduce a system that helps users construct interactive visualizations with constant information density. This work is an extension of the DataSplash database visualization environment. DataSplash is a direct manipulation system in which users can construct and navigate visualizations. Objects' appearances change as users zoom closer to or further away from the visualization. Users specify graphically the point at which these changes occur. Our experience with DataSplash indicates that users find it difficult to construct visualizations that display an appropriate amount of detail. In this paper, we introduce an extension to DataSplash based on the Principle of Constant Information Density. This extension gives users feedback about the density of visualizations as they create them. We have performed an informal study of user navigation in applications with and without constant information density. Our results suggest that users avoid higher density displays in preference for...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 1998
• Where: AVI
• Authors: Allison Woodruff, James A. Landay, Michael Stonebraker
• Keywords: AVI 1998, Constant Information Density, Density Displays, Lower Density Displays, Software Engineering