Value Bars: an information visualization and navigation tool for
multi-attribute listings and tables
Value Bars: an information visualization and navigation tool for
multi-attribute listings and tables
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Date
1998-10-15
Authors
Chimera, Richard
Advisor
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Abstract
The "value bar" provides an overview of a large listing with
multiple, quantifiable attributes. Value bars are a cross between
scrollbars and space efficient stacked bar charts. A space-filling
algorithm assigns relatively sized regions in the value bar according
to items' attribute values. In a glance users can discern the
distribution of attribute values of the entire listing. Navigation
features provide quick identification and in-context fisheye views of
listing items. Many value bars can be created to compare
distributions of the same items over different attributes. A usability
study showed value bars are easy to use and understand. Value bars
can be added to applications involving directory listings, databases
and their search results, tables of contents, stock market tables,
medical information, etc.
(Also cross-referenced as CAR-TR-589)