Experimenting with Aesthetics-Based Graph Layout

Purchase, H. C. , Carrington, D. and Allder, J.-A. (2000) Experimenting with Aesthetics-Based Graph Layout. In: Diagrams 2000: First International Conferenc, Edinburgh, UK, 1-3 Sept 2000, pp. 498-501. ISBN 9783540679158 (doi: 10.1007/3-540-44590-0_46)

Abstract

Many automatic graph layout algorithms have been implemented to display relational data in a graphical (usually node-arc) manner. The success of these algorithms is typically measured by their computational efficiency and the extent to which they conform to aesthetic criteria (for example, minimising the number of crossings, maximising symmetry). Little research has been performed on the usability aspects of such algorithms: do they produce graph drawings that make the embodied information easy to use and understand? Is the computational effort expended on conforming to the assumed aesthetic criteria justifiable with espect to better usability? This paper reports on usability studies to investigate automatic graph layout algorithms with respect to human use.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Purchase, Dr Helen
• Authors: Purchase, H. C., Carrington, D., and Allder, J.-A.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Computing Science
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• ISBN: 9783540679158