[IxDA Discuss] Graphical methods for displaying time elapsed

[dnp607]

Hi All,

I'm wondering if there are any references out there that discuss  
different graphical methods for displaying time in UI?

The problem: My users will be presented with many alarms over the  
course of a 30 minute time frame. I need to display the alarms (in  
color) in such a way that it gives them a historical perspective of  
1- When the alarm occurred and 2- What color the alarm was...

So far, I'm contemplating:

1_  A histogram/strip chart.
	Benefits: It's a common method for displaying two axis. Could be  
used for one axis as well.
	Drawbacks: Poor discrimination since most lines are bunched together  
tightly. Usually hard to follow for nontechnical users.

2_ A progress bar (horizontal).
	Benefits: Commonly used for displaying progress
	Drawbacks: Perhaps too simple - displaying progress is one thing,  
displaying different colored alarms on a progress bar gets cluttered.
	Example, where "A" is an alarm with color:

	* * * A * * A *
	<-----Scrolls

3_ A timed list (vertical).
	Benefits: Reads like a log, simple to interpret.
	Drawbacks: ?
	Example, where "A" is an alarm with color:

	A Time/Date
	A Time/Date
	A Time/Date
	A Time/Date

...Are there more? Any comments or suggestions welcome.

Best Regards,
-Dan

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Dan Peknik * NASA Ames Research Center
       San Jose State University, ID HF/E
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