ABSTRACT
This chapter describes a study investigating the differences between using virtual and real world 3-Dimensional (3D) representations of data. Information visualisation therefore, carries with it the benefits of computational offloading, allowing quick, perceptual judgements to be used for problem solving. The representations were created from 3D models and outputted using VRML and rapid prototyping to ensure informational equivalence. The virtually displayed representations suffered from navigational difficulties when compared to the more direct manipulation of the real world models. Also, generally the more recognisable form of square graph design yielded faster responses but less accurate results. The performance data suggest that a slower response provides increased accuracy. If a particular design type was capable of stimulating more accurate responses then a tradeoff against speed would probably be acceptable. The real world formats also recorded fairly positive opinion responses for the performance dimension of the usability questionnaire.
