A 3D visualization framework to social network monitoring and analysis

• We propose and analysis a framework for 3D Information Visualization Environment.
• The 3D environment allow the management and monitoring of indicators on the web.
• Motivation and interest among users increase with the use the prototype.
• Most of the usability problems encountered have simple or cosmetics severity.
• The 3D technique presented effectively reduces the data occlusion problem.

Since the rise of the Internet, the volume of metrics (indicators) used to measure current conditions of the service has been increasing exponentially. One of the challenges is to transform this amount data into legible information through visualization techniques. Visualization and monitoring indicators design is an actual and relevant challenge to provide intuitive, clear and direct understanding of large datasets. The solutions to the problem points to complex Graphical User Interface (GUI) that demands high cognitive efforts to handle it. This paper aims to present and evaluate the design process of a 3D visualization framework conceived to be easy to understand. We adopted user-centered design process to develop the concept model and usability concept to evaluate it. The usability evaluation was conducted using a Telehealth indicators dataset. Data were collected through observation technique and with the help of usability questionnaires. Data analysis was based on quantitative and qualitative approaches. The results describe the major advantages and limitations of the 3D visualization framework. We observed an overall good usability level. Meanwhile, users reported a total of 18 usability problems and proposed 35 suggestions to improve the user experience. They demonstrated strong motivation and interest in using the prototype. The usability problems of the visualization interface guided new improvements.