Matthew Doyle | UX
StarViz seeks to aid astronomy researchers in uncovering relationships, trends, and correlations amongst variable stars by surfing through an immersive 3D visualization of data derived from the Kepler telescope. This type of analysis of Large Astronomical Synoptic Sky surveys necessitates the development of an effective means of data reduction. This research can eventually contribute towards the investigation of the cosmic distance ladder and the expansion of the universe.
PROBLEM
We have large telescopes that can capture snapshots of the sky that bring valuable data that we cannot effectively mine multivariate data for insight in 2D. While current methodologies utilize visual variables to classify data points into specific types of stars, there is still much work to be done to develop additional methods to provide researchers with an intuitive means of data reduction.
SOLUTION
Virtual reality significantly heightens the efficacy of data visualization by providing immersion and other means to interact with and express large multi-dimensional data sets. As a result, this application proposes a solution that synthesizes 3D immersive data search and the isolation of data points of interest to view individually in linked graphs to overcome limitations on data density.
FUNCTIONALITY
Immersive Data Discovery | Gestural Navigation | Dashboard of Linked Graphs | Searchable Database | Screen Capture & Annotation | Messenger / Shared View
TOOLS
Photoshop | Sketch
DELIVERABLES
Interviews | Personas | Sketches | Task Analysis / Task Grids | Cognitive Walkthrough | Heuristic Evaluation | A/B Test | Usability Report | Mock-Ups