Using Treemaps to Visualize the Analytic Hierarchy Process

Toshiyuki Asahi, David Turo and Ben Shneiderman
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Toshiyuki Asahi: Human-Computer Interaction Laboratory, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20740
David Turo: Human-Computer Interaction Laboratory and Department of Computer Science, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20740
Ben Shneiderman: Department of Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction Laboratory and Institute for Systems Research, AV Williams Building, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20740

Information Systems Research, 1995, vol. 6, issue 4, 357-375

Abstract: Treemaps, a visualization method for large hierarchical data spaces, are used to augment the capabilities of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for decision-making. Two direct manipulation tools, presented metaphorically as a “pump” and a “hook,” were developed and applied to the treemap to support AHP sensitivity analysis. Users can change the importance of criteria dynamically on the two-dimensional treemap and immediately see the impact on the outcome of the decision. This fluid process dramatically speeds up exploration and provides a better understanding of the relative impact of the component criteria. A usability study with six subjects using a prototype AHP application showed that treemap representation was acceptable from a visualization and data operation standpoint.

Keywords: visualization; treemap; analytic hierarchy process; AHP; decision support; user interfaces (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 1995
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