Interaction and Visualization Techniques for Programming

Abstract. Programmers spend much of their time investigating the source code of a program, which often involves navigating and understanding delocalized code fragments. This Ph.D. project explores the use of information visualizations that are designed to support programmers in these activities. I use controlled experiments to provide precise measurements of the usability of visualizations and detailed insight into users ’ interaction with visualizations. Also, case studies are used to understand how professional programmers use visualizations in realistic work activity. Overall, this research will contribute empirically founded insight into the design and use of visualizations in programming. Application My Ph.D. thesis has the working title “Interaction and Visualization Techniques for Programming”. My scholarship is running from June 1st 2006 until May 31st 2009. This paper describes the research problems that form the basis of the thesis and outlines the dissertation research. I have also submitted a short paper to Interact 2007 called “Transient Visualizations”