Visualization in motion in 3D environments

Brief Introduction:

This project will contribute to the research domain of visualization with a specific focus on visualization in motion. Visualization in motion is a visual data representation used in contexts that exhibit relative motion between a viewer and an entire visualization. With the development of computing technologies, visualizations have moved from paper to digital devices and have even been physicalized. The relative movement relationship between the visualization and its viewer has more possibilities, such as under motion. Previous work explored the impact of motion characteristics on perception [1], design [2], and user experience of visualization [3]. While in 3D environments, specifically, spatial factors such as changing perspectives, shifting viewing angles, and dynamic context background, bring new research challenges as well as opportunities to visualization in motion. However, current vis-in-motion theory and techniques are unable to address the difficulties in representing from multiple perspectives, lack contextual awareness, and, as such, are difficult to adapt to complex, real-world scenarios. This project aims to tackle these challenges of visualization in motion in dynamic 3D environments where both data and perspectives change rapidly.

[1] L. Yao, A. Bezerianos, R. Vuillemot, and P. Isenberg, "Visualization in Motion: A Research Agenda and Two Evaluations," in IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics, vol. 28, no. 10, pp. 3546-3562, 1 Oct. 2022, doi: 10.1109/TVCG.2022.3184993.

[2] L. Yao, R. Vuillemot, A. Bezerianos, and P. Isenberg, "Designing for Visualization in Motion: Embedding Visualizations in Swimming Videos," in IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics, vol. 30, no. 3, pp. 1821-1836, March 2024, doi: 10.1109/TVCG.2023.3341990.

[3] L. Yao, F. Bucchieri, V. McArthur, A. Bezerianos, and P. Isenberg, "User Experience of Visualizations in Motion: A Case Study and Design Considerations," in IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics, vol. 31, no. 1, pp. 174-184, Jan. 2025, doi: 10.1109/TVCG.2024.3456319.

Supervisors:

Principal supervisor: Dr. Lijie Yao - lijieyao.com

Co-supervisor: Dr. Lingyun Yu - yulingyun.com

Requirements:

This position is open to all qualified candidates irrespective of nationality.

• Motivation: The candidate should have a strong motivation for their PhD training and a passion for visualization-related research. An autonomous candidate with good organization, self-management, and communication skills is expected.
• Academic background: The candidate should have advanced knowledge of visualization, visual analytics, visual computing, or human-computer interaction. Solid programming skills in at least one of the following languages: JavaScript, Python, C#/C++/C. Experience in at least one of the following design software is expected: Illustrator, Sketch, Figma, Axure, Premiere, and Camtasia. Publication experience in visualization-related venues is a plus.
• Educational background: Applicants should hold bachelor’s and master’s degrees in relevant fields. Exceptional candidates holding a Bachelor’s degree only may be considered on an individual basis. The following minimum entry requirements should be fulfilled: (1) Applicants who hold degrees from China: Top 100 of the latest Shanghai Ranking or World-class universities or First-class disciplines (MoE, China): 75/100 or above, or average mark equal to or above 80/100–85/100 from other universities. (2) Applicants who hold degrees from the UK: a UK Pass with Merit Master's degree/first or 2:1 class Bachelor's degree with Honours. (3) Applicants who hold degrees from North America: 3.0 Cumulative GPA (out of 4) for Master's/Bachelor's degree. (4) Applicants who hold degrees from other regions: Equivalent degrees to those above.
• Language speaking: Fluent in English, especially in speaking and writing. The candidate should have an IELTS (or equivalent) score of 6.5 or above if the first language is not English. Chinese is not a must.

Degree:

The student will be awarded a PhD degree in Computer Science and Software Engineering from the University of Liverpool (UK) upon successful completion of the program.

Funding:

The PhD studentship is available for three years, subject to satisfactory progress by the student. The award covers tuition fees for three years (currently equivalent to RMB 99,000 per annum). It also provides up to RMB 16,500 to allow participation at international conferences during the period of the award. The scholarship holders are expected to conduct the majority of their research at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou city, Jiangsu Province, China. The PhD candidate can apply for a 1- to 6-month research visit to the University of Liverpool. For more information about doctoral scholarship and PhD programme at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, please visit:

https://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/admissions/global/entry-requirements/

https://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/admissions/global/fees-and-scholarship

How to Apply:

Interested applicants are advised to email [Email Address Removed] or [Email Address Removed] the following documents (in English) with a subject "PhD Application - VIM in 3D":

• Detailed CV
• Personal statement outlining your interest in the position
• Two recommendation letters or contacts of referees
• Certificates of English language qualifications (IELTS or equivalent)
• Full academic transcripts in both Chinese and English (for international students, only the English version is required)
• Verified certificates of educational qualifications in both Chinese and English (for international students, only the English version is required) 
• PDF copy of Master Degree dissertation (or an equivalent writing sample) and examiners reports available 

Contact:

For any questions related to this project, please email [Email Address Removed] or [Email Address Removed] with a subject "Questions - VIM in 3D".