Summary

This thesis aimed to evaluate the formative usability of interactive map visualizations in the context of data journalism. A user study combining eye-tracking and the talk-aloud method was conducted with 44 participants divided into two groups. The tested articles contained various types of map-based visualizations, each followed by a task verifying the participant’s ability to read and interpret information.

The results revealed several common issues: users often overlooked visualizations, failed to recognize interactive elements, or misunderstood how to interact with them. The position of the visualization in the article and its visual design significantly influenced user engagement.

Eye-tracking data showed that elements placed in lower sections in the article were frequently missed. Although there was no major difference in success rate between experts and non-experts, experts showed more consistent behavior, while non-experts had a wider range of performance.

The study confirmed that interactive maps have great potential in conveying complex information clearly, but only if their design effectively guides the user’s attention. Therefore, map visualizations must be not only visually appealing, but also intuitive and contextually well-integrated.

The findings provide recommendations for news designers on how to structure and highlight interactive maps to maximize their usability and impact.