An Interactive Web-Based Visualization Tool in Action: User Testing and Usability Aspects

Abstract

In this paper, we present our efforts in relation to the evaluation of an interactive web-based visualization tool developed for supporting environmental sciences learning. The tool enables the visualization of different types of geo-tagged content and sensor data collected using mobile devices. It also utilizes APIs that provide multiple visual representations of the data set. These representations allow users to actively interact with graphs, maps, images, and data tables. In order to test the usability, novelty and interactivity of our web-based visualization tool, we have conducted a study involving university students in the field of teaching environmental sciences. The results and analysis of the user testing indicate that the tool's usability and performance were satisfactory. Outcomes from the user testing have resulted in a number of concrete suggestions for further enhancement and improvements of our visualization tool in relation to application functionality, navigation and interaction.