Report of the Framework Development Working Group Martin Taylor Mark Nixon David Hall Vincent Taylor November 8, 2007

Report to IST-063/RWS-010 by the IST-059/RTG-025 Working Group on Framework for Network Visualisation Why create a “Framework”? Why is IST-059/RTG-025 concerned with the task of developing a framework? If I have only a hammer, every job seems to require nails. If I need to fasten something, how do I know hammers exist? If I need something fastened and I know the tools exist, do I glue, screw, staple, or nail? “I” would want a Framework that categorized fastening jobs in terms of what tools were best for those jobs, and categorized tools in terms of what kinds of fastening jobs they did best. ? Based on report to IST-063/RWS-010 by the IST-059/RTG-025 Working Group on Framework for Network Visualisation

Why a Framework for network visualisation? Numerous ad-hoc examples of network representations have been created for specific applications, some of them very good for their purpose. It is usually not clear how the insights that led to particularly effective representations can be generalized to new situations. A good Framework should help identify the conditions for which different insights are helpful. Users need to see different aspects of network structure and functioning in support of their real-world task, and some of those aspects are not well served by extant display techniques. Users usually choose to see those aspects for which effective display techniques are available (they are given only a hammer!). A good Framework may help inspire research on new modes of display for different kinds of network properties. Based on report to IST-063/RWS-010 by the IST-059/RTG-025 Working Group on Framework for Network Visualisation The Framework should support users with ad-hoc needs, and should support system designers and researchers by highlighting aspects of network properties that are poorly supported by existing technology.

The Framework Concept Based on report to IST-063/RWS-010 by the IST-059/RTG-025 Working Group on Framework for Network Visualisation Survey

Framework — The Way Ahead 1.Complete the Framework by Categorizing computable network attributes Categorizing Network-related user tasks Categorizing network-related display techniques Develop mappings across categorizations: o task - attribute o attribute - display Incorporate interaction (the theme of the follow-on RTG) 2.Link the Framework with the Survey of Network Visualisation Software 3.Describe the Framework process for end users Propose support software to guide the user in the Framework process 4.Test Framework use in different scenarios, and rework 5.Publish for general use. IST-059/RTG-025 does not have the resources to complete all the above! Based on report to IST-063/RWS-010 by the IST-059/RTG-025 Working Group on Framework for Network Visualisation

Engineering guidelines Characterize Problem & Constraints Application Time scale Intention Data sources & reliability … Characterize Problem & Constraints Application Time scale Intention Data sources & reliability … Characterize Implementation Environment 2-D/3-D computing capability Interaction mode … Characterize Implementation Environment 2-D/3-D computing capability Interaction mode … Characterize User Skills Training needs Intention Characterize User Skills Training needs Intention Tool survey Web visualization examples. User ratings Vis periodic table visual complexity Case baseline Selection guidelines -Interaction tools - implementation tools Recommendations of Display types I/D of Similar problems/solutions User selection & implementation User rating Characterize Task Exploration Analysis Alerting Characterize Task Exploration Analysis Alerting Logical Templates Rules Logic trees Technique masks On-Line Design Assistance

Using the Framework: as of Copenhagen Network Properties Data Type Display Requirements Display Design Survey DB kfjdlkfjlsjfkldjfdkl Matrix of Pointers Framework jdkfjdsklfjdslkfjkaldfjdklsjfjfsjafldj Analyst Notebook Based on report to IST-063/RWS-010 by the IST-059/RTG-025 Working Group on Framework for Network Visualisation

Sample Resource Materials Chapter 2 – A Framework for network Visualisation: Final report of IST059/RTG-025 (in preparation; anticipated for completion in Dec 2008) Annex D (same report) Copenhagen IST063/RWS010 Workshop Proceedings (2006)

Summary steps Review/refine the characterization questions Develop “problem space” to “solution space” maps –Develop tool & visualization technique masks –Develop logical relations & decision trees Create user interface and web-based shell for advisory tool –e.g., consumer recommendation tool with interactive Q&A Implement web-based advisory tool Evaluate advisory tool utility/usability with sample users Incorporate lessons learned, user feedback and recommendations into advisory tool