Publications
Perhaps We Cannot Continue Collaborating: Understanding and Alleviating Asymmetry in Communication for Visual Analytics Collaboration
CSCW 2025Under ReviewWeichen Sun, Junxiu Tang, Linping Yuan, Feiyuan Qu, Junming Gao, Ut Gong, Xiaojiao Chen, Tan Tang
This paper builds on prior CSCW about care work by addressing communication asymmetries specific to visual analytics (VA) collaborations, such as differences in cognitive understanding and resource access, that traditional collaborative design study frameworks overlook. It proposes an AI-assisted smart reply system, VisAuto-Communication (VAC), which significantly improves communication efficiency and positive engagement by structuring exchanges based on identified asymmetry types. The results are useful for designing computing technologies that adapt responses to asymmetric communication inherent in collaboration, fostering clearer and more productive interactions in collaborative settings.
Perhaps We Cannot Continue Collaborating: Understanding and Alleviating Asymmetry in Communication for Visual Analytics Collaboration
CSCW 2025Under ReviewWeichen Sun, Junxiu Tang, Linping Yuan, Feiyuan Qu, Junming Gao, Ut Gong, Xiaojiao Chen, Tan Tang
This paper builds on prior CSCW about care work by addressing communication asymmetries specific to visual analytics (VA) collaborations, such as differences in cognitive understanding and resource access, that traditional collaborative design study frameworks overlook. It proposes an AI-assisted smart reply system, VisAuto-Communication (VAC), which significantly improves communication efficiency and positive engagement by structuring exchanges based on identified asymmetry types. The results are useful for designing computing technologies that adapt responses to asymmetric communication inherent in collaboration, fostering clearer and more productive interactions in collaborative settings.
My Role: Conception, Paper Writing
TimeFolder: A Universal Framework for Enhancing Visualization Across Time-Oriented Data Methods
Computational Visual Media Conference 2025Under ReviewUt Gong, Weichen Sun, Shuhan Liu, Yang Liu, Tan Tang, , Yingcai Wu
Visualizing ultra-long time-oriented data often leads to over-plotting and obscures important patterns. Traditional compression methods can miss critical details and are often unsuitable for various visualization techniques. We introduce TimeFolder, a versatile framework that balances data compression and visual information preservation using the Minimum Description Length (MDL) principle. TimeFolder adaptively folds timelines, highlighting significant data elements and incorporating visual channels for accurate representations. Our heuristic algorithm employs hierarchical clustering and random seeds to explore optimal compression configurations efficiently. Supporting diverse visualization techniques, TimeFolder offers customizable solutions for different contexts. Demonstrated through real-world use cases like exchange rate analysis and airport scheduling, TimeFolder effectively transforms extensive temporal datasets into concise, analytically rich visual summaries, enhancing temporal data visualization across various applications.
TimeFolder: A Universal Framework for Enhancing Visualization Across Time-Oriented Data Methods
Computational Visual Media Conference 2025Under ReviewUt Gong, Weichen Sun, Shuhan Liu, Yang Liu, Tan Tang, and Yingcai Wu
Visualizing ultra-long time-oriented data often leads to over-plotting and obscures important patterns. Traditional compression methods can miss critical details and are often unsuitable for various visualization techniques. We introduce TimeFolder, a versatile framework that balances data compression and visual information preservation using the Minimum Description Length (MDL) principle. TimeFolder adaptively folds timelines, highlighting significant data elements and incorporating visual channels for accurate representations. Our heuristic algorithm employs hierarchical clustering and random seeds to explore optimal compression configurations efficiently. Supporting diverse visualization techniques, TimeFolder offers customizable solutions for different contexts. Demonstrated through real-world use cases like exchange rate analysis and airport scheduling, TimeFolder effectively transforms extensive temporal datasets into concise, analytically rich visual summaries, enhancing temporal data visualization across various applications.
My Role: Conception, Implementation, Evaluation, Paper Writing
Collaborative XRTactics: A Formative Study on Tactical Communication in Outdoor Team Sports
IEEE VIS 2024 WorkshopAcceptedUt Gong, Qihan Zhang, Ziqing Yin, , Stefanie Zollmann
In team sports, effective tactical communication is crucial for success, particularly in the fast-paced and complex environment of outdoor athletics. This paper investigates the challenges faced in transmitting strategic plans to players and explores potential solutions using eXtended Reality (XR) technologies. We conducted a formative study involving interviews with 4 Division I professional soccer coaches, 4 professional players, 2 college club coaches, and 2 college club players, as well as a survey among 17 Division I players. The study identified key requirements for tactical communication tools, including the need for rapid communication, minimal disruption to game flow, reduced cognitive load, clear visualization for all players, and enhanced auditory clarity. Based on these insights, we propose a potential solution - a Mobile Augmented Reality (AR) system designed to address these challenges by providing real-time, intuitive tactical visualization and communication. The system aims to improve strategic planning and execution, thereby enhancing team performance and cohesion. This work represents a significant step towards integrating XR technologies into sports coaching, offering a modern and practical solution for real-time tactical communication.
Collaborative XRTactics: A Formative Study on Tactical Communication in Outdoor Team Sports
IEEE VIS 2024 WorkshopAcceptedUt Gong, Qihan Zhang, Ziqing Yin, and Stefanie Zollmann
In team sports, effective tactical communication is crucial for success, particularly in the fast-paced and complex environment of outdoor athletics. This paper investigates the challenges faced in transmitting strategic plans to players and explores potential solutions using eXtended Reality (XR) technologies. We conducted a formative study involving interviews with 4 Division I professional soccer coaches, 4 professional players, 2 college club coaches, and 2 college club players, as well as a survey among 17 Division I players. The study identified key requirements for tactical communication tools, including the need for rapid communication, minimal disruption to game flow, reduced cognitive load, clear visualization for all players, and enhanced auditory clarity. Based on these insights, we propose a potential solution - a Mobile Augmented Reality (AR) system designed to address these challenges by providing real-time, intuitive tactical visualization and communication. The system aims to improve strategic planning and execution, thereby enhancing team performance and cohesion. This work represents a significant step towards integrating XR technologies into sports coaching, offering a modern and practical solution for real-time tactical communication.
My Role: Conception, Formative Study, Implementation, Paper Writing
VolleyNaut: Pioneering Immersive Training for Inclusive Sitting Volleyball Skill Development
IEEE VR 2024PublishedUt Gong, Hanze Jia, Yujie Wang, Tan Tang, Xiao Xie, Yingcai Wu
To address challenges in sitting volleyball training, we've created VolleyNaut—a VR system designed with input from professional coaches. It replicates daily drills and ball pitches, accommodating different skill levels for skill improvement. Our user study involving both pros and novices shows that VolleyNaut can enhance accessibility and engagement in sports training, particularly in communities with limited resources.
VolleyNaut: Pioneering Immersive Training for Inclusive Sitting Volleyball Skill Development
IEEE VR 2024PublishedUt Gong, Hanze Jia, Yujie Wang, Tan Tang, Xiao Xie, Yingcai Wu
To address challenges in sitting volleyball training, we've created VolleyNaut—a VR system designed with input from professional coaches. It replicates daily drills and ball pitches, accommodating different skill levels for skill improvement. Our user study involving both pros and novices shows that VolleyNaut can enhance accessibility and engagement in sports training, particularly in communities with limited resources.
My Role: Conception, Formative Study, Implementation, Evaluation, Paper Writing