Exploring the effectiveness of 3D file browsing techniques for file searching tasks

Abstract

Based on an analysis of the existing literature, we extracted important features regarding 3D file organization and layout. In this way, three separate 3D file browsing techniques were evaluated in a comparison study. Block3D uses a priority weighting scheme to elevate and display files in a grid-based structure. Cluster3D uses sets of animated racks to display files. TreeCubePlus3D visualizes files and directories using groups of semi-transparent cubes within a larger cube-like structure. Across all techniques, each file was represented as a thumbnail image of the file's image, document or document with pictures data. The thumbnails were also augmented with meta-information such as filename and relevancy information to simulate a realistic search. Our experiment explores the effectiveness of each 3D file browsing technique in a manual file searching task. Our evaluation is based on task completion time and a post-questionnaire used to gather subjective feedback on each technique in terms of user preference. The results indicate that users completed the manual file search task significantly faster using Block3D than both TreeCubePlus3D and Cluster3D. Subjective ranking also showed users preferred the Block3D technique.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2009

Semester

Spring

Advisor

LaViola Jr., Joseph J.

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Degree Program

Early Childhood Education

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Engineering and Computer Science;Engineering and Computer Science -- Dissertations, Academic

Format

Print

Identifier

DP0022371

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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