Developing and Validating an Interactive Training Tool for Inferring 2D Cross-Sections of Complex 3D Structures

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel, domain-agnostic interactive training tool designed to improve skills in inferring 2D cross-sections of complex 3D structures, validated through an empirical study with positive results.

Contribution

The paper presents the first computer-based, domain-agnostic training tool for cross-section inference of complex 3D structures, building on a hierarchical model of spatial skills.

Findings

The training tool effectively improves cross-section inference skills.

Participants showed significant skill gains across various structure complexities.

The tool is applicable to multiple disciplines, including biology and geology.

Abstract

Understanding 2D cross-sections of 3D structures is a crucial skill in many disciplines, from geology to medical imaging. Cross-section inference in the context of 3D structures requires a complex set of spatial/visualization skills including mental rotation, spatial structure understanding, and viewpoint projection. Prior studies show that experts differ from novices in these, and other, skill dimensions. Building on a previously developed model that hierarchically characterizes the specific spatial sub-skills needed for this task, we have developed the first domain-agnostic, computer-based training tool for cross-section understanding of complex 3D structures. We demonstrate, in an evaluation with 60 participants, that this interactive tool is effective for increasing cross-section inference skills for a variety of structures, from simple primitive ones to more complex biological structures.