Daniel PahrORCID iD, Henry EhlersORCID iD, Velitchko FilipovORCID iD
HoloGraphs: An Interactive Physicalization for Dynamic Graphs
In Proceedings of the 20th International Joint Conference on Computer Vision, Imaging and Computer Graphics Theory and Applications - Volume 1 GRAPP, HUCAPP and IVAPP: IVAPP,, pages 859-866. 2025.

Information

  • Publication Type: Conference Paper
  • Workgroup(s)/Project(s):
  • Date: 2025
  • ISBN: 978-989-758-728-3
  • Location: Porto
  • Lecturer: Daniel PahrORCID iD
  • Event: 20th International Joint Conference on Computer Vision, Imaging and Computer Graphics Theory and Applications (VISIGRAPP , GRAPP, HUCAPP and IVAPP 2025)
  • DOI: 10.5220/0013116000003912
  • Booktitle: Proceedings of the 20th International Joint Conference on Computer Vision, Imaging and Computer Graphics Theory and Applications - Volume 1 GRAPP, HUCAPP and IVAPP: IVAPP,
  • Pages: 8
  • Volume: 1
  • Conference date: 26. February 2025 – 28. February 2025
  • Pages: 859 – 866
  • Keywords: Dynamic Networks, Fabrication, Information Visualization, Physicalization

Abstract

We present HoloGraphs, a novel approach for physically representing, explaining, exploring, and interacting with dynamic networks. HoloGraphs addresses the challenges of visualizing and understanding evolving network structures by providing an engaging method of interacting and exploring dynamic network structures using physicalization techniques. In contrast to traditional digital interfaces, our approach leverages tangible artifacts made from transparent materials to provide an intuitive way for people with low visualization literacy to explore network data. The process involves printing network embeddings on transparent media and assembling them to create a 3D representation of dynamic networks, maintaining spatial perception and allowing the examination of each timeslice individually. Interactivity is envisioned using optional Focus+Context layers and overlays for node trajectories and labels. Focus layers highlight nodes of interest, context layers provide an overview of the network structure, and global overlays show node trajectories over time. In this paper, we outline the design principles and implementation of HoloGraphs and present how elementary digital interactions can be mapped to physical interactions to manipulate the elements of a network and temporal dimension in an engaging matter. We demonstrate the capabilities of our concept in a case study. Using a dynamic network of character interactions from a popular book series, we showcase how it represents and supports understanding complex concepts such as dynamic networks.

Additional Files and Images

Additional images and videos

teaser: a 3d visualization of a dynamic network, made from transparent projector slides stacked in parallel teaser: a 3d visualization of a dynamic network, made from transparent projector slides stacked in parallel

Additional files

Weblinks

BibTeX

@inproceedings{pahr-2025-holographs,
  title =      "HoloGraphs: An Interactive Physicalization for Dynamic
               Graphs",
  author =     "Daniel Pahr and Henry Ehlers and Velitchko Filipov",
  year =       "2025",
  abstract =   "We present HoloGraphs, a novel approach for physically
               representing, explaining, exploring, and interacting with
               dynamic networks. HoloGraphs addresses the challenges of
               visualizing and understanding evolving network structures by
               providing an engaging method of interacting and exploring
               dynamic network structures using physicalization techniques.
               In contrast to traditional digital interfaces, our approach
               leverages tangible artifacts made from transparent materials
               to provide an intuitive way for people with low
               visualization literacy to explore network data. The process
               involves printing network embeddings on transparent media
               and assembling them to create a 3D representation of dynamic
               networks, maintaining spatial perception and allowing the
               examination of each timeslice individually. Interactivity is
               envisioned using optional Focus+Context layers and overlays
               for node trajectories and labels. Focus layers highlight
               nodes of interest, context layers provide an overview of the
               network structure, and global overlays show node
               trajectories over time. In this paper, we outline the design
               principles and implementation of HoloGraphs and present how
               elementary digital interactions can be mapped to physical
               interactions to manipulate the elements of a network and
               temporal dimension in an engaging matter. We demonstrate the
               capabilities of our concept in a case study. Using a dynamic
               network of character interactions from a popular book
               series, we showcase how it represents and supports
               understanding complex concepts such as dynamic networks.",
  isbn =       "978-989-758-728-3",
  location =   "Porto",
  event =      "20th International Joint Conference on Computer Vision,
               Imaging and Computer Graphics Theory and Applications
               (VISIGRAPP , GRAPP, HUCAPP and IVAPP 2025)",
  doi =        "10.5220/0013116000003912",
  booktitle =  "Proceedings of the 20th International Joint Conference on
               Computer Vision, Imaging and Computer Graphics Theory and
               Applications - Volume 1 GRAPP, HUCAPP and IVAPP: IVAPP,",
  pages =      "8",
  volume =     "1",
  pages =      "859--866",
  keywords =   "Dynamic Networks, Fabrication, Information Visualization,
               Physicalization",
  URL =        "https://www.cg.tuwien.ac.at/research/publications/2025/pahr-2025-holographs/",
}