Interaction with Tangible Graph Lenses on Interactive Tabletops

Graphs are used in different domains in order to visualize data and communicate relations or structures. With the increasing amount of underlying data the clarity of those diagrams suffers due to edge ambiguity and node cluttering. In this work, we elaborate the concept of graph lenses which give a localized alternative view of the graph in order to support exploration tasks. The analysis of previous concepts shows that nearly all of them are operated by traditional input methods. Furthermore we investigate the development of tangible user interfaces. The use of transparent materials allows the fabrication of translucent passive lenses on interactive surfaces. We combine those two research fields by developing an interaction concept for graspable graph lenses which is based on the interaction vocabulary of transparent tangibles. The focus lies upon a reasonable mapping between interactions and their effects in the application. Along the description of the concept realization we present a tracking process which allows the recognition of fully transparent lenses and the use of more complex interaction techniques like flipping and stacking.