TouchViz: (multi)touching multivariate data

Abstract

In this video we show TouchViz, a software system for visualizing multivariate data that harnesses the physical, embodied nature of tablet computers and physical models such as gravity and force to allow users to explore data along many dimensions at once. Data are represented as actual physical objects that can be manipulated through user touches, tilts, and finger gestures. TouchViz provides an open sandbox for user interaction, supplying an array of force-based tools for structuring and manipulating data made physical. These tools promote curiosity, play, and exploration, leading users to trends and actionable findings encoded in data. By closely mimicking real-world force, gravity, and momentum, TouchViz allows users to explore many dimensions at once through multitouch interactions.