Using Treemaps to Visualize the Analytic Hierarchy Process

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.

• 저널Information Systems Research · 6(4) · 357–375
• 토픽Data Visualization and Analytics · Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition
• DOI10.1287/isre.6.4.357
• 저자Toshiyuki Asahi, David Turo, Ben Shneiderman