Data visualization in the metaverse

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master_Ahonen_Eveliina_2025.pdf (6.88 MB)

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School of Electrical Engineering | Master's thesis
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Date

2025-07-10

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Major/Subject

Human-Computer Interaction

Mcode

Degree programme

Master's Programme in Computer, Communication and Information Sciences

Language

en

Pages

57

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Abstract

Metaverse offers new possibilities for immersive and interactive data visualization beyond the limitations of traditional 2D methods. This thesis investigates how metaverse can support data exploration through the development and evaluation of three distinct visualization environments: time-based, space-based, and theme-based. Using climate change datasets as a unifying theme, custom-built 3D environments were designed and implemented on the Spatial.io platform, combining Unity and Three.js for scene construction. A mixed-method user study with 44 participants, assessed how users perceived comprehension, usability, and engagement within each environment. The results demonstrate that an immersive metaverse environment can enhance user understanding and memorability of complex data, particularly when intuitive spatial metaphors and interaction designs are applied. While theme-based and time-based visualization were rated highly for clarity and engagement, the spacebased visualization revealed the challenges of designing effective navigation and data representation in 3D virtual spaces. The findings highlight metaverse’s potential as a future platform for data visualization, while also identifying key design considerations for immersive environments.

Description

Supervisor

Holme, Petter

Thesis advisor

Kauppinen, Tomi

Keywords

metaverse, data visualization, virtual reality, 3D visualization, user study, user experience

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https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202508196512

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[dipl] Sähkötekniikan korkeakoulu / ELEC