Information visualization applications have always used standard computer displays and input devices. However, recent findings in psychology and human-computer interaction suggest that tangible user interfaces can have many advantages in terms of efficiency and usability, and that they promote user commitment, collaboration, and eyes-free operation. The purpose of this PhD thesis will be to explore the combination of information visualization techniques with tangible interaction techniques. This combination will be examined at either the output level (e.g., exploring physical visualizations), the input level (e.g., exploring physical visualization controls), or both.
Context
Information visualization is a growing topic of research. A study estimated that the amount of data produced in the world was increasing by 50% each year (1). Since our brains and sensory capacities have not changed in the meantime, gaining competitive advantage from all this data depends heavily on the effectiveness with which we support human abilities to perceive, understand, and alter it. The Aviz research team seeks to improve analysis and exploration of large and complex datasets with new forms of interactive visualization.
Apart from preliminary research (2), there has been very little work at the boundaries of information visualization and tangible user interfaces. In tangible user interfaces, users interact with digital information through the physical environment. An early example is the Marble Answering Machine by Durrell Bishop (3). Many other interaction styles have been proposed since then, and this research field is still very active.
Objectives
The goal of this PhD thesis will be to design, build and evaluate tangible interaction techniques for information visualization. Possible topics of investigation include:
■ Assembly-based visualizations,
■ Physical 3D visualizations,
■ Physicality to support understanding,
■ Eyes-free visualizations,
■ Tangible control of visualizations,
■ Shape-changing displays.
The PhD student will first get acquainted with the fields of information visualization and tangible user interfaces, then pick a small research problem that seems novel, interesting and feasible. A further step will then consist in validating and generalizing the approach.
The candidate must hold a masters degree in computer science, be creative, have a good experience in software and hardware engineering, and be genuinely interested in both information visualization and tangible user interfaces. Speaking French not required upon arrival.