This paper introduces a study to analyse the users impressions about different visualization techniques. To achieve this, we used the Spot tool, which provides a set of different visualization techniques to users with information retrieved from Twitter. This study was conducted with a sample of 7 Twitter users who have never used this tool before. We collected their impressions and interactions with the system on each visualization technique available. When running a qualitative analysis of the data gathered, an interesting set of results were found. Advantages and disadvantages for each visualization technique introduced were found by all users. This led us to a discussion on where each kind of those techniques would be better introduced or used.

1. An Analysis of Different Visualization
Techniques in Social Network Context
Through Users Impressions
Eduardo Ghidini
Elisa Costa Diel
Greice De Carli Roman
João Pedro Guterres
FACIN/PUCRS

2. PPGCC – PUCRS Qualidade de Sistemas Iterativos
Purpose
● Our aim is to analyse the usability of the visualization
techniques provided by the tool Spot, when compared with the
visualization forms offered by Twitter

3. PPGCC – PUCRS Qualidade de Sistemas Iterativos
Related Work
● FluxFlow
● DeepTwitter
● OpinionFlow
● Vizter
In addition to works related to evaluation methods for Visualization
Techniques.

4. PPGCC – PUCRS Qualidade de Sistemas Iterativos
Spot Tool
● Is an interactive real-time Twitter Visualization that uses a
particle metaphor to represent tweets. This particles metaphor
are called “Spots”.

5. PPGCC – PUCRS Qualidade de Sistemas Iterativos
Spot Tool – Option 1

6. PPGCC – PUCRS Qualidade de Sistemas Iterativos
Spot Tool – Option 2

7. PPGCC – PUCRS Qualidade de Sistemas Iterativos
Spot Tool – Option 3

8. PPGCC – PUCRS Qualidade de Sistemas Iterativos
Spot Tool – Option 4

9. PPGCC – PUCRS Qualidade de Sistemas Iterativos
Spot Tool – Option 5

10. PPGCC – PUCRS Qualidade de Sistemas Iterativos
Spot Tool – Option 6

11. PPGCC – PUCRS Qualidade de Sistemas Iterativos
Research Methodology
● RQ: What are the strengths and difficulties in using different
ways to display tweets analyzed to support the acquisition of
information by the user?
● we conducted a study involving usability evaluation [2] of the
Spot tool with 7 users who already use Twitter daily.
● In the usability evaluation, interviews and observations were
applied in person, following a pre-established script:(1)
Application of the pre-test interview; (2) Search tags on Twitter;
(3) Search tags in Spot; (4) Observations of the step 2 and 3; (4)
Fill the post-test interview.

12. PPGCC – PUCRS Qualidade de Sistemas Iterativos
Findings
● We collected data from 7 different Twitter users - 5 men and 2
women. Their age vary between 21-35 years old.
● The average time spent on Twitter by these users ranges from
less than an hour to up to three hours (daily).
● When asked about for what purpose they use Twitter, the most
general answer was to stay informed

13. PPGCC – PUCRS Qualidade de Sistemas Iterativos
Findings
● 6 out of the 7 users seem to have enjoyed it.
● When asked if 2 users said that tool was clear and of easy
understanding, 2 said it was not that easy but also not that hard
and 3 user said it was difficult to understand.
● About interaction of the system, 2 mentioned it was very easy, 2
said it was easy, 2 said not that easy but also not that hard and
1said it is hard to interact.

14. PPGCC – PUCRS Qualidade de Sistemas Iterativos
Findings
● All members - unanimously - indicated that the one they liked
the most was number 4. And only one user mentioned 2º
visualization technique as one of their favorites.
● The other techniques in general have been criticized, especially
by his difficulty in understanding.
● It was mentioned in comments: “The system is not self-
explanatory, it should give autonomy to the user so we can
understand how to use, how to group, rank, etc.”

15. PPGCC – PUCRS Qualidade de Sistemas Iterativos
Findings
● In Comparing Neoformix Spot tool with Twitter’s hashtag
search, 3 users preferred the Spot and 4 preferred Twitter.
● As a Spot advantages mentioned that it shows more information
where you can more easily understand facts.
● Twitter advantages mentioned is your extremely organization.

16. PPGCC – PUCRS Qualidade de Sistemas Iterativos
Final Considerations
● the different visualization techniques needed adaptations to meet
users’ needs.
● With all the data gathered, we were able to see that all users did
not understand all the 6 introduced visualization techniques.
● users that had already used other tools seem to not have liked
the tool that much
● The missing guidance on the menus also seemed to have
bothered all users.
● All users said that they would be willing to use this tool more
frequently if it went through all the adaptations

17. An Analysis of Different Visualization
Techniques in Social Network Context
Through Users Impressions
PPGCC – PUCRS Qualidade de Sistemas Iterativos