Evaluating the Navigation in Software Visualization in Augmented Reality with Speech Processing

Kurzfassung

Architecture of software systems is complex and abstract. Visualizing it is one approach to improve comprehension of software architecture. The recent developments in the area of virtual reality and augmented reality allow software to be visualized in a three-dimensional environment. This representation of software architecture enables users to navigate through the different elements of an application. In Augmented Reality, gestures are used to explore the components of the software and their dependencies. However, the number of gestures is limited to only a few. Therefore, a speech assistant was developed to provide users more functionalities when exploring software systems. This thesis examines the navigation in an application for software visualization in Augmented Reality using speech processing. A comparative user study, which compares the navigation with speech to gestures, is carried out. This study evaluates whether speech processing enhances the usability of software visualization in augmented reality. The objective of the present work is to discuss both the theoretical and technical aspects when setting up the study. Different definitions of usability are considered which serves as a foundation for the study. Furthermore, the developed speech assistant is integrated into an application for software visualization. Based on the results of the user study, the usability of speech processing for exploring the architecture of software systems is evaluated.