A comparative study of 2D vs. 3D chart visualizations in virtual reality

As virtual reality becomes increasingly relevant in data analysis, understanding the implications of using 3D charts for data visualization is of paramount importance. In a virtual reality (VR) environment, users can obtain fresh insights and a deeper understanding of data through immersive exploration. VR introduces innovative possibilities for data visualization, thereby overcoming the limitations of traditional two-dimensional (2D) environments. However, limited research has examined the effectiveness of conventional three-dimensional (3D) chart representations for data analytics in VR. This study investigates the impact of traditional charts represented in 3D within VR on data analytics, focusing on interpretation accuracy, task time, long-term recall, and user preference. The results reveal a decline in interpretation accuracy with 3D charts, but improved long-term recall. Participants perceived limited success in accomplishing analytic tasks using this visualization method. These findings provide valuable insight into the advantages and limitations of using 3D charts for data visualization in the scientific domain within a VR setting, thereby enhancing our understanding of potential implications for data analytics in immersive environments.