Delivering Effective and Usable Interactive 3D Visualization on Lightweight Mobile Devices

Abstract

3D visualization has significantly enhanced scientists ability to discover important new insights into their data. In this paper we focus specifically on associated HCI and human factors of remote 3D visualization. We discuss how, through adopting a user-centered design approach we have successfully engineered the Lightweight Visualization software system. This exciting HCI innovation has enabled scientists to interact with their own 3D visualization packages whenever they want and from wherever they happen to be. We describe how this advanced level of on the move HCI was achieved by facilitating scientists to interact with their familiar desk-based 3D user interfaces via affordable, wireless computing devices. In particular, we highlight how the system has initially been employed within the UK e-Science RealityGrid project to support an extensively used 3D molecular dynamics user interface on the roaming, handheld PDA. Whilst it is recognized that these types of lightweight devices possess limited compute, graphics and memory capability we also identify how Lightweight Visualization has overcome these serious limitations to effectively deliver usable interactive 3D visualization on the commodity mobile platform.