Interaction techniques for the analysis of complex data on high-resolution displays

When combined with the organizational space provided by a simple table, physical notecards are a powerful organizational tool for information analysis. The physical presence of these cards affords many benefits but also is a source of disadvantages. For example, complex relationships among them are hard to represent. There have been a number of notecard software systems developed to address these problems. Unfortunately, the amount of visual details in such systems is lacking compared to real notecards on a large physical table; we look to alleviate this problem by providing a digital solution. One challenge with new display technology and systems is providing an efficient interface for its users. In this paper we look at comparing different interaction techniques of an emerging class of organizational systems that use high-resolution tabletop displays. The focus of these systems is to more easily and efficiently assist interaction with information. Using PDA, token, gesture, and voice interaction techniques, we conducted a within subjects experiment comparing these techniques over a large high-resolution horizontal display. We found strengths and weaknesses for each technique. In addition, we noticed that some techniques build upon and complement others.