Graduation Year
2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree
Ph.D.
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Degree Granting Department
Computer Science and Engineering
Major Professor
Seungbae Kim, Ph.D.
Co-Major Professor
Paul Rosen, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Shaun Canavan, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Julia Woodward, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Mahshid Naeini, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Alon Friedman, Ph.D.
Keywords
Annotations, Decisions, Persistent Homology, Recommendations, Trust
Abstract
In this era of a data driven world, the effective communication of data through visualizations is pivotal for converting complex information into accurate insights. Effective visualizations not only enhance users' comprehension of complex data but also induce trust, leading to better decision-making. This dissertation explores methods to improve trust in visualizations by providing additional context and enhancing their clarity, ensuring appropriate data interpretations and better decisions from users.
The work in the dissertation begins by examining the impact of scatterplots combined with statistical metrics such as accuracy on users' trust and decision-making focused on recommender systems. In addition, we show the influence of providing statistical information in the form of visualizations, such as bar plots, on users' decision behavior towards recommendations. We then demonstrate the importance of providing the right amount of information---enough to enhance comprehension but without overwhelming the user. The dissertation presents the application of techniques such as persistent homology to improve the clarity of complex visualizations, such as node-link diagrams, by revealing additional features and patterns without compromising context. Finally, we further explore the way annotations add valuable context and their effectiveness in communicating important data features. These findings offer ways for enhancing information communicated and interpreted through visualizations, ultimately assisting users to make more informed decisions.
Scholar Commons Citation
Doppalapudi, Bhavana, "Balancing Context and Clarity Through Visualizations for Better Decision-Making" (2024). USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/10613
