Design and Evaluation of R-Zoom, a New Focus+Context Visualization Technique

Abstract

The paper presents the design and evaluation of R-Zoom, a focus+context information visualization technique. R-Zoom was designed to deal with large sets of items with specific structural properties (sequential order, heterogeneous sizes), and behavior requirements (flexible interaction, maximizing screen space, minimizing changes in screen). It was evaluated and compared to an overview+detail interface with 43 participants. Experienced users of R-Zoom completed tasks faster and with fewer errors than users of the overview+detail interface. Furthermore, a satisfaction questionnaire showed that users felt more comfortable with R-Zoom.