Abstract:
This thesis aimed to reach two principal outcomes: To develop a robust testing methodology that allowed a detailed and fair comparative analysis of the benefit, or otherwise, of 3D methods of information interrogation over alternative 2D methods; and to test the ability for a single model to have multiple user-group functionality. The research used the examples of two user-groups within the urban planning industry and their typical decision making processes. A robust testing methodology was developed to investigate the usefulness of 3D in a detailed and focused manner involving individual end-users as participants in a case study. The development of this efficient process assisted the study in moving past the initial visual impact of the models. The method employed a combination of three research instruments: A focus group formed the base from which an urban planning task, questionnaire and guided discussion investigated evidence for the benefit or otherwise of 3D using both quantitative and subjective measures. Two widely disparate user-groups were selected to further test the functionality of a resource to meet the needs of multiple users: city council urban designers and property developers.
The research revealed that 3D methods of information visualisation allow users to develop a greater spatial awareness, increasing their understanding of information, when compared to alternative 2D methods. While evidence for this benefit was established using both quantitative and subjective methods, the research proved that this increased understanding does not necessarily lead to quicker decisions as the 2D group completed the task faster and more accurately than the 3D group. The ability for a single model to have multiple user-group functionality was confirmed as each of two disparate user-groups noted that the availability of the other user-group's information was of positive benefit to their understanding of the proposed development within the urban planning task.
