Spatial metaphors for browsing large data archives

This investigation presents an experimental design to explore if spatial metaphors in a query user interface, for example, representing distance, arrangement, and scale change, are understood by people while querying a large data archive.

Abstract

Information visualization is becoming increasingly popular within the Information Retrieval domain to facilitate access to very large, complex databases. Graphic depictions of vast data archives are often based on spatial metaphors. Information spaces also incorporate explicit geographic metaphors with the intention to create a graphic representation that is easier to comprehend for information seekers. However, empirical evidence seems to be lacking to support the appropriateness of information spaces for visualization (Kuhn and Blumenthal, 1996; Skupin and Buttenfield, 1996; MacEachren, 1998). This investigation presents an experimental design to explore if spatial metaphors in a query user interface, for example, representing distance, arrangement, and scale change, are understood by people while querying a large data archive. Subject testing procedures are applied to determine the visual effectiveness of spatialized interface displays to access GeoRef, an extensive collection of geology and earth sciences documents. Collected data include response times and accuracy of responses of participants during experiments on the spatialized views. A qualitative investigation was also pursued with the think-aloud method. Specific design guidelines can be drawn from this research. Metaphor comprehension can be enhanced with appropriate use of visual variables, or conversely reduced when cartographic design conventions are violated. These results are dependent on the information need, but not on user background and training. The outcomes of this study suggest that cartographic design principles offer a sound representational strategy for visualizing large document spaces.