Challenges and Opportunities for Theory-Grounded Data Visualization in Extended Reality

Area of Science:

• Computer Science
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Data Science

Background:

• Established frameworks exist for traditional data visualization.
• Recent advancements include immersive analytics beyond keyboard and mouse interfaces.
• Limited development in visualization libraries for immersive environments and theoretical frameworks for extended reality (XR).

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize challenges and opportunities for theory-grounded data visualization in XR.
• To examine how established visualization principles translate and expand to immersive environments.
• To support the development of theory and practical tools for XR data visualization.

Main Methods:

• Literature synthesis of existing data visualization frameworks and XR technologies.
• Analysis of theoretical frameworks for their applicability in immersive settings.
• Identification of challenges and opportunities in translating screen-based principles to XR.

Main Results:

• Identified a gap in mature visualization libraries for immersive platforms.
• Highlighted the need for theoretical frameworks that incorporate XR and 3-D visualizations for embodied exploration.
• Synthesized key challenges and opportunities for data visualization in XR.

Conclusions:

• Established data visualization principles require adaptation for XR environments.
• Further development is needed in both theoretical underpinnings and practical tools for effective XR data visualization.
• This work provides a foundation for principled data visualization and exploration using XR in real-world applications.