Markus Rester

Visualization in Ontology Tools

With a literature study we found an enormous number of ontology visualization tools. Many of them apply graph visualization but there are other approaches as well. We have identified interesting solutions for dealing with the complexity of large ontologies. Ontology engineering, ontology mapping and alignment can benefit from Information Visualization. Our collection is a starting point to demonstrate the usefulness of Information Visualization techniques, however, a detailed evaluation would be the next step to consolidate this research area and help to boost the adoption of ontologies in common Web applications.

Visual ontology alignment for knowledge sharing and reuse

Purpose – By providing interoperability users can be supported in sharing and reusing vocabularies and knowledge. Ontology alignment plays an important role in the context of semantic interoperability. Usually ontology alignment tools generate results that are difficult to understand or assess. In order to enable users to check and improve alignment results and to understand their consequences information visualization techniques are used. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the relevant quality aspects in ontology alignment as well as current activities and available tools. Design/methodology/approach – Based on a literature study quality measures for ontology alignment identified and requirements for visual ontology alignment are defined. As a proof of concepts a prototype called AlViz was developed. Findings – Information visualization offers appropriate methods for the assessment of ontology alignment results. Different levels of detail and overview help users to navigate and understand the alignments. The assessment of semi-structured resources by users involves learning activities. The neighborhood of the entity under investigation bears relevant semantic information. Therefore, assessment may include crisscrossing acquisition of knowledge representations and their semantics. Originality/value – Along a comprehensive framework alignment assessment tasks are identified and visualization tool is introduced and applied which aims at making ontology alignment results manageable and comprehensible.

Evaluating an InfoVis Technique Using Insight Reports

The evaluation of Information Visualization (InfoVis) techniques can help to identify specific strengths and weaknesses of these methods. The following article describes the results of an empirical study assessing the contribution of an interactive InfoVis method based on a spring metaphor (GRAVI), exploratory data analysis (EDA) and machine learning (ML) to ease understanding. The application domain is the psychotherapeutic treatment of anorectic young women. The three methods are supposed to support the therapists in finding the variables which influence success or failure of the therapy. To conduct the evaluation we developed a report system which helped subjects to formulate and document in a self-directed manner the insights they gained when using the three methods. The results indicate that the three methods are complementary and should be used in conjunction.

Usability and transferability of a visualization methodology for medical data

Information Visualization (InfoVis) techniques can offer a valuable contribution for the examination of medical data. We successfully developed an InfoVis application - Gravi - for the analysis of questionnaire data stemming from the therapy of anorectic young women. During the development process, we carefully evaluated Gravi in several stages. In this paper, we describe selected results from the usability evaluation, especially results from qualitative studies. The results indicate that Gravi is easy to use and intuitive. The subjects of the two studies described here especially liked the presentation of time-oriented data and the interactivity of the system. In the second study, we also found indication that Gravi can be used in other areas than the one it was developed for.

Ecodesign — design and evaluation of an e-learning system for vocational training

At Vienna University of Technology an online course in sustainable product design has been developed. The aim of this course is to offer vocational training for professionals in product design. The interface of the e-learning system is easy to understand. The whole system is adapted to the needs of the target group. Communication and cooperation play an important role for the e-learning system. Extensive evaluation is supposed to ensure the effectivity of the system.ZusammenfassungAn der Technischen Universität Wien wurde ein Online-Kurs für umweltgerechte Produktgestaltung entwickelt, der auf Weiterbildung von Personen abzielt, die im Bereich Produktdesign beruflich tätig sind. Die Oberfläche dieses E-Learning-Systems ist leicht zu erfassen, das ganze System ist an den Bedürfnissen der Zielgruppe ausgerichtet. In diesem E-Learning-System sind vor allem Kommunikation und gemeinsames Arbeiten von großer Bedeutung. Das System wird genauestens evaluiert, um die Effektivität des Tools sicher zu stellen.

Computer supported collaborative learning and vocational training: adapting the technology to the learners’ needs

The aim of the ECODESIGN project was the development of a course in sustainable product design. The target group are employees in the areas of product design, marketing or similar areas. Some learners from this target group have a low computer literacy and are, therefore, reluctant to use advanced forms of electronic communication. Collaborative learning has to be designed according to the learners’ needs, taking into account that many participants of the ECODESIGN course have to get used to electronic communication. Despite this problem, a community of practice seems to result from the ECODESIGN course. Active tutoring was especially important to motivate learners and to constitute the community of practice.

Mixing evaluation methods for assessing the utility of an interactive InfoVis technique

We describe the results of an empirical study comparing an interactive Information Visualization (InfoVis) technique called Gravi++ (GRAVI), Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) and Machine Learning (ML). The application domain is the psychotherapeutic treatment of anorectic young women. The three techniques are supposed to support the therapists in finding the variables which influence success or failure in therapy. To evaluate the utility of the three techniques we developed on the one hand a report system which helped subjects to formulate and document in a self-directed manner the insights they gained when using the three techniques. On the other hand, focus groups were held with the subjects. The combination of these very different evaluation methods prevents jumping to false conclusions and enables for an comprehensive assessment of the tested techniques. The combined results indicate that the three techniques (EDA, ML, and GRAVI) are complementary and therefore should be used in conjunction.

Interactive Game Based Learning: Advantages and Disadvantages

Interactive Game-Based Learning might be used to raise the awareness of students concerning questions of sustainability. Sustainability is a very complex topic. By interacting with a simulation game, students can get a more detailed and holistic conception of how sustainability can be achieved in everyday purchasing situations. The SuLi (Sustainable Living) game was developed to achieve this goal. In an evaluation study we found evidence that SuLi is an interesting alternative to more traditional approaches to learning. Nevertheless, there are still many open questions, as, e.g., whether one should combine simulation games with other forms of teaching and learning or how to design simulation games so that students really acquire detailed concepts of the domain.