Visualization considerations for Interactive Epoch-Era Analysis

Abstract

Epoch-Era Analysis (EEA) is a quantitative analysis approach that allows decision-makers to evaluate performance of design alternatives over a set of possible futures. To address the computational and cognitive burden arising from a potentially unlimited number of futures, the insertion of human-in-the-loop interaction into certain modules of EEA, or Interactive Epoch-Era Analysis (IEEA), was proposed. This thesis discusses user goals of these modules as well as principles of data visualization and user interface design, and evaluates the functionality and usability of selected visualizations and interfaces accordingly in the context of these IEEA modules.