Using 2-D vs. 3-D Displays: Gestalt and Precision Tasks

Research on when and how to use three-dimensional (3-D) perspective views on flat screens for operational tasks such as air traffic control is confusing and contradictory. We stepped back to consider the basic qualities and capabilities of two-dimensional (2-D) and 3-D views. In two experiments, we tested the hypothesis that 3-D views are better for shape understanding and 2-D views are better for precisely judging relative positions. Participants viewed simple block shapes in 2-D or 3-D and either performed a shape understanding task (e.g. identification, mental rotation) or a relative position task (e.g. directions and distances between objects). Results confirmed the hypothesis.