DataCloud 2.0 research Navigation and interaction

GENERAL SURVEY

The DataCloud 2 interface reflects the spatial arrangement of objects after the knowledge-map and mental-map methods have been applied. A connection is first established between the inserted objects and the 'scientific' representation of data. The dynamic, virtual environment of DataCloud incorporates elements of studies into conceptual spaces (known from scientific visualisation) combined with direct representations of data-objects (media including references and context) and their interrelation. The DataCloud 2 research focuses on some major topics deemed relevant to enhanced audience participation. Inspiration for the spatial organisation of the objects in DataCloud 2 has come from research in the fields of design, architecture, scientific representation of atom structures, games, virtual reality, and 3-D mapping.

PREMISE FOR NAVIGATION AND USER INTERACTION

In the DataCloud, participants can browse, explore, move, drag and drop, and participate in various modes. Exploring and navigating the DataCloud involves several steps in content discovery. Remote objects reflect the media-objects, which are represented as textures; approaching an object reveals more information and context in several steps; zooming close to an object reveals the object in its original form. When a media-object is revealed in its original form, a shift takes place from 3-D to 2-D representation.

VIEWPOINTS

The general view of the DataCloud starts from a 'third-person' perspective. The computer screen functions as a camera viewfinder through which objects are viewed. The user can interact continuously using camera functions like zooming, riding, gliding, and panning, etc. However, co-authoring the dynamic map of the DataCloud using this mode of operation - familiar from games, flight simulators and 3-D panoramas - wouldn't work from a third-person perspective or spectator's point of view. The DataCloud editing and (co)-authoring actions require a first-person perspective. The shift from third- to first-person perspective can be understood as an extension of the spatial or temporal navigation in order to achieve personal involvement.

In the current phase of the project, a trajectory that relates the authoring section and the 2-D planes is being considered. A fluid change of perspective could support all interactions. A simple mechanism allows the content to be browsed and explored and a set of media controllers facilitates editing and adding content. This will most likely result in a mixture of known mechanisms from older media (photography) and new media controllers that do not have equivalents in the physical world.

Mechanisms derived from older media like film could offer the DataCloud user a 3-D and third-person perspective, and the new media controllers could supply the tools needed for first-person participation. The latter requires easy-to-use, functional tools (mostly 2-D) that support media-based pictures, text, sound, etc. A separate GUI section for auditing or collecting material will be considered for the final version of DataCloud 2.

ABSTRACTION AND REPRESENTATION

The survey of conceptual spaces and scientific visualisations, as opposed to the direct representation of the media-objects, in the DataCloud raised interesting questions regarding symmetry and consistency, and 'make-believe' scenarios for the user. Special emphasis was put on an abstract 3-D interface concept to avoid a reliance on inadequate or inappropriate metaphors borrowed from the physical world. This should be considered as a logical progression from DataCloud 1 DWHW, which was based on 2-D Shockwave.

The atom-like structures deployed for the visualisation of abstract scientific research and processes formed the starting point for the representation of media-objects. Besides rapid performance, this reduced form of representation provides insight into the DataCloud structure, its configuration, and how the objects relate to one another.

A sample of the media-object is used as a texture on the 'outside' of the atom. This texture provides a first glimpse of information and allows the objects in the DataCloud to be distinguished from one another. The meta-data is available around the media-object representation. After zooming close to an object, this level of abstraction ceases and the user can view the object in its original form.