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IPCP: Immersive Parallel Coordinates Plots for Engineering Design Processes

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Conference Object

Change log

Authors

Abstract

Computational engineering design methods and tools are common practice in modern industry. Such approaches are integral in enabling designers to efficiently explore larger and more complex design spaces. However, at the same time, computational engineering design methods tend to dramatically increase the number of candidate solutions that decision-makers must interpret in order to make appropriate choices within a set of solutions. Since all candidate solutions can be represented in digital form together with their assessment criteria, evaluated according to some sort of simulation model, a natural way to explore and understand the complexities of the design problem is to visualize their multidimensional nature. The task now involves the discovery of patterns and trends within the multidimensional design space. In this work, we aim to enhance the design decision-making process by embedding visual analytics into an immersive virtual reality environment. To this end, we present a system called IPCP: immersive parallel coordinates plots. IPCP combines the well-established parallel coordinates visualization technique for high-dimensional data with immersive virtual reality. We propose this approach in order to exploit and discover efficient means to use new technology within a conventional decision-making process. The aim is to provide benefits by enhancing visualizations of 3D geometry and other physical quantities with scientific information. We present the design of this system, which allows the representation and exploration of multidimensional scientific datasets. A qualitative evaluation with two surrogate expert users, knowledgeable in multidimensional data analysis, demonstrate that the system can be used successfully to detect both known and previously unknown patterns in a real-world test dataset, producing an early indicative validation of its suitability for decision support in engineering design processes.

Description

Keywords

33 Built Environment and Design, 40 Engineering, 46 Information and Computing Sciences, 4010 Engineering Practice and Education, 4607 Graphics, Augmented Reality and Games, 3303 Design, Bioengineering, Generic health relevance, 4 Quality Education

Journal Title

AIAA Scitech 2020 Forum

Conference Name

AIAA Scitech 2020 Forum

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

Rights

All rights reserved
Sponsorship
EPSRC (1788814)
Cambridge European and Trinity Hall; Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC-1788814)