Designing an Information Visualization Tool for Sensemaking

The study presents the AVALANCHE visualization test-bed for sensemaking in ill-structured problem domains. AVALANCHE allows the users to develop and frame hypotheses, analyze the hypotheses in the experimental domain, and provide cases for simulation experiments. The visualization and sensemaking support module in AVALANCHE provides human–computer interface and visualization supports. Validation experiments using groups aided with visualization and support tools and groups with no aiding was performed on two open-ended sensemaking cases provided by a military subject matter expert. Statistical analyses revealed mean performance differences in plan accuracy, plan time, and number of cue prompts between aided and unaided groups across task scenarios. In general, the aided group had the highest mean plan outcome accuracy, low planning time, and the least number of prompts. The intention is to extend the study to collaborative sensemaking tasks to address the effects of negotiation on team planning time, cue prompting frequencies, and different types of cue prompting modalities.