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Information Systems Research 1995

Using Treemaps to Visualize the Analytic Hierarchy Process

Toshiyuki Asahi; David Turo; Ben Shneiderman

University of Maryland, College Park

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.

DOI
10.1287/isre.6.4.357
Sources
openalex

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