2009/04/04 by Danny Holten, Jarke J. van Wijk · 2 citations
Computer Science · Social Sciences · Mathematics · #Data Visualization and Analytics #Multimedia Communication and Technology #Video Analysis and Summarization #Vertex (graph theory) #Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution #Graph drawing #Representation (politics) #Computer science #Visualization #Directed graph #Graph #Combinatorics #Theoretical computer science #Artificial intelligence #Mathematics #Algorithm
paper · doi:10.1145/1518701.1519054
openalex publication_date 2009/04/04 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
Graphs are often visualized using node-link representations: vertices are depicted as dots, edges are depicted as (poly)lines connecting two vertices. A directed edge running from vertex A to B is generally visualized using an arrow representation: a (poly)line with a triangular arrowhead at vertex B. Although this representation is intuitive, it is not guaranteed that a user is able to determine edge direction as quickly and unambiguously as possible; alternative representations that exhibit less occlusion and visual clutter might be better suited. To investigate this, we developed five additional directed-edge representations using combinations of shape and color. We performed a user study in which subjects performed different tasks on a collection of graphs using these representations and combinations thereof to investigate which representation is best in terms of speed and accuracy. We present our initial hypotheses, the outcome of the user studies, and recommendations regarding directed-edge visualization.