Visualizing the spatial and temporal distribution of user interaction data collected in three-dimensional virtual worlds

Abstract

This paper reports work in progress on the analysis and visualization of the spatial and temporal distribution of user interaction data collected in three-dimensional (3D) virtual worlds. Two tools are introduced. The WorldMapper reads in a so-called propdump file and creates a 2D clickable map showing the layout of the world as well as interaction possibilities such as teleports and clickable web links. The second tool visualizes user interaction data such as navigation, chatting, and Web access activity overlaid on the world map. Resulting visualizations are meant to support social navigation, design evaluation and optimization, and the study of virtual communities. Both tools are demonstrated on a 19-person information treasure hunt for information in a 3D virtual world. The paper concludes with a discussion and an outlook.