2-D vs. 3-D display for multidimensional data visualization - The relationship between task integrality and display proximity

The current study explores the relationship between the display representation of a multidimensional data base (separated vs. integrated) and the information processing demands of different types of tasks. Subjects answered a range of questions about a complex economic data base while viewing either a 2D or 3D (perspective) display of subsets of the data. Animated vs. static representations of dynamic data were also examined. The 3D display supported better performance than did the 2D display on the more integrative questions, while no difference between formats was found for questions demanding focused attention. The 3D display also supported a better visual model of the data space, but did not improve subjects' ability to verbalize the rules underlying this space. Animation did not provide a better means for understanding change information than did the static presentation mode. Implications for the design of data visualization display interfaces are discussed.