using multi-dimensional in-depth long-term case studies for information visualization evaluation
Information visualization is meant to support the analysis and comprehension of (often large) datasets through techniques intended to show/enhance features, patterns, clusters and trends, not always visible even when using a graphical representation. During the development of information visualization techniques the designer has to take into account the users' tasks to choose the graphical metaphor as well as the interactive methods to be provided. Testing and evaluating the usability of information visualization techniques are still a research question, and methodologies based on real or experimental users often yield significant results. To be comprehensive, however, experiments with users must rely on a set of tasks that covers the situations a real user will face when using the visualization tool. The present work reports and discusses the results of three case studies conducted as Multi-dimensional In-depth Long-term Case studies. The case studies were carried out to investigate MILCs-based usability evaluation methods for visualization tools.
information visualization usability evaluation taxonomy of tasks