Visualization of Component-Based Software Architectures: A Comparative Evaluation of the Usability in Virtual Reality and 2D

Abstract

Software visualization provides a good opportunity to explore complex software architectures. But to reach a high level of usability it is important to evaluate such visualizations properly. We present the results of an usability study that we conducted to compare the visualization of component-based software architectures in both 2D and Virtual Reality (VR), based on different representations. Study participants had to conduct five interactive tasks. The results of our study shows that users are more likely able to complete the tasks in 2D than in VR, that they are more likely able to faster complete the tasks in 2D than in VR, and that they experience more satisfaction while using 2D than VR. Because evaluations of software visualization approaches are still rare, our results might help to create further study designs and offers some advice for the development of future visualizations—especially in VR.