InfoVids: Reimagining the Viewer Experience with Alternative Visualization-Presenter Relationships

TL;DR

This paper introduces InfoVids, an AR-based paradigm that co-locates the presenter and data visualization in a shared 3D space to redefine the viewer experience. It details the Body Object Model (BOM) and four case InfoVids designed to explore space, form, and interaction, alongside a 2D baseline for comparison. Through a mixed-methods study with 30 participants and street interviews, it finds that InfoVids can reduce attention split and increase presenter engagement, though social expectations and AR design choices influence reception. The work advances data storytelling by offering a feasible path to more human-centered visualization presentations and highlights design considerations for equitable presenter–visualization relationships in mixed-reality performances.

Abstract

Traditional data presentations typically separate the presenter and visualization into two separate spaces--the 3D world and a 2D screen--enforcing visualization-centric stories. To create a more human-centric viewing experience, we establish a more equitable relationship between the visualization and the presenter through our InfoVids. These infographics-inspired informational videos are crafted to redefine relationships between the presenter and visualizations. As we design InfoVids, we explore how the use of layout, form, and interactions affects the viewer experience. We compare InfoVids against their baseline 2D `slides' equivalents across 9 metrics with 30 participants and provide practical, long-term insights from an autobiographical perspective. Our mixed methods analyses reveal that this paradigm reduced viewer attention splitting, shifted the focus from the visualization to the presenter, and led to more interactive, natural, and engaging full-body data performances for viewers. Ultimately, InfoVids helped viewers re-imagine traditional dynamics between the presenter and visualizations.

Figures (9)

• Figure 1: Demonstrates system implementation of Body Object Model (BOM). There are three main components: (1) BodyAnchors that represent locations in the presenter's body (2) VisNode which contain the visualizations and (3) VisHandler which is used to define relationships between the presenter and visualization using the BodyAnchors and VisNodes.
• Figure 2: NapoleonVis shows the consequences of Napoleon's march. The two compared versions are shown: one where slides with the animation is positioned to the left of their presentation (top), and one where the animation is positioned in the presenter's environment with InfoVids (bottom). In frames 2 and 3, the presenter binds the French army to their body to control army movements directly. This presents an engaging way to perform the chase of the French after the Russian army (\ref{['tab:visDesignControls']} Criteria 3). The background reinforces the 'outdoors' setting of the march and provides depth when the initial army parts into the distance in Frame 1 (Criteria 1). These design choices made NapoleonVis significantly more enjoyable to watch for the viewer.
• Figure 3: InjuryVis uses the presenter's body as context as the presenter points to their own body to explain football injury statistics (bottom). These body-vis bindings engage the viewers by presenting a more personalized way to display data (\ref{['tab:visDesignControls']} C3 & C4). Viewers express mixed feelings with InjuryVis's ability to be enjoyed more. This is partially attributed to mismatches in participant expectations and the capability of a regular slides (top) presentation to present information in a more familiar way.
• Figure 4: WalmartVis' binding of the visualization to the body serves no major benefits to the narrative (\ref{['tab:visDesignControls']}). It frees the hands of the presenter and lets them walk forward to view the visualization closer within the capturing camera. While viewers overall believe presenter immersion, engagement, and sense of co-location with the presence is overall higher than in the baseline, body movement constantly tilts the map, making the performance less enjoyable to watch.
• Figure 5: Making the Baseline Video Format To use the same rendition, or takes, of the performance, two phones are used simultaneously to record the presenter---one uses InfoVids and the other is absent of the augmented visualizations. The latter is used to sync the presenter with the slides and animation. presenter body language and visualization views are maximized with a 3:1 slide format and use of rule-of-thirds, a video composition technique to direct viewer attention to the presenter.