Authors

Shengdong Zhao, Michael J. McGuffin, Mark H. Chignell

Video

Paper

Presentations

Abstract

We investigate the use of elastic hierarchies for representing trees, where a single graphical depiction uses a hybrid mixture, or “interleaving”, of more basic forms at different nodes of the tree. In particular, we explore combinations of node-link and Treemap forms, to combine the space-efficiency of Treemaps with the structural clarity of node-link diagrams. A taxonomy is developed to characterize the design space of such hybrid combinations. A software prototype is described, which we used to explore various techniques for visualizing, browsing and interacting with elastic hierarchies, such as side-by-side overview and detail views, highlighting and rubber banding across views, visualization of multiple foci, and smooth animations across transitions. The paper concludes with a discussion of the characteristics of elastic hierarchies and suggestions for research on their properties and uses.

CR Categories and Subject Descriptors: I.3.6 [Computer Graphics]: Methodology and Techniques–interaction techniques; E.1 [Data Structures]: trees

Additional Keywords: Elastic Hierarchies, Treemaps, nodelink diagrams, hybrids, combinations, overview+detail, multiple views, trees, interaction techniques, interactive visualization