The display configuration, perspective, and intent (CPI) matrix: Development of a framework and methodology for advancing the design of graphical displays

The human-computer interaction research community of the 1990's is facing challenges caused by the emergence of the information age. Examples of information-rich domains include real world systems, such as environmental processes and plant operations; and abstract systems, such as financial transactions and military command and control. The increased information complexity is difficult to represent in conventional 2D displays, which creates a need for display innovations that support everyday tasks of exploration, understanding, and decision making. While 3D displays offer promise in resolving this issue, there is a problem with current prototyped and proposed 3D information displays in that they do not make effective use of the rich set of attributes associated with 3D rendering. This is primarily due to the lack of knowledge concerning which 3D rendering attributes best support various information tasks. Current 3D design principles have a heavy reliance on opinion and intuition and have little scientifically-based structure to ensure the effectiveness of information display designs. Developing a better theoretical understanding of these attributes is a first step in the development of more effective graphical design tools. This study developed and validated a theoretical framework to be used to guide the design of graphical information processing displays called the Configuration, Perspective, and Intent (CPI) matrix. The matrix was developed through a synthesis of research relevant to graphical information processing. Using this matrix, relevant theoretical and experimental literature from research areas including perceptual, cognitive, and graphical information processing was structured and relationships between studies were defined. A design process was developed which used the CPI matrix to derive theoretically and empirically based 3D information display principles. A two part empirical approach was used to validate this design process through classification and experimental design methods. A newly created reconfigurable 3D information display was designed and tested using the proposed design process derived from the CPI matrix. The empirical results support the construct validity of the CPI matrix structure and the benefits of the process in identifying promising display designs. Recommendations were made for the most immediate needs for future research based on existing gaps in the CPI matrix.