On the perception of graph layouts
- In the field of software engineering, graph-based models are used for a variety of applications. Usually, the layout of those graphs is determined at the discretion of the user. This article empirically investigates whether different layouts affect the comprehensibility or popularity of a graph and whether one can predict the perception of certain aspects in the graph using basic graphical laws from psychology (i.e., Gestalt principles). Data on three distinct layouts of one causal graph is collected from 29 subjects using eye tracking and a print questionnaire. The evaluation of the collected data suggests that the layout of a graph does matter and that the Gestalt principles are a valuable tool for assessing partial aspects of a layout.
Author: | Lisa GrabingerORCiD, Florian HauserORCiD, Jürgen MottokORCiDGND |
---|---|
URN: | urn:nbn:de:bvb:898-opus4-62973 |
DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1002/smr.2599 |
Parent Title (English): | Journal of Software: Evolution and Process |
Publisher: | Wiley |
Document Type: | Article |
Language: | English |
Year of first Publication: | 2023 |
Publishing Institution: | Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg |
Release Date: | 2023/10/18 |
Tag: | causal graphs; eye tracking; gestalt principles; graph layouts; modeling languages |
Note: | Corresponding author: Lisa Grabinger |
Institutes: | Fakultät Elektro- und Informationstechnik |
Fakultät Elektro- und Informationstechnik / Laboratory for Safe and Secure Systems (LAS3) | |
Begutachtungsstatus: | peer-reviewed |
research focus: | Digitalisierung |
OpenAccess Publikationsweg: | Hybrid Open Access - OA-Veröffentlichung in einer Subskriptionszeitschrift/-medium |
Funding: | DEAL Wiley |
Licence (German): | ![]() |