Improving presentations of software metrics indicators using visualization techniques

Abstract

To monitor and control software projects, companies develop and invest in measurement systems. A core component of measurement systems are the indicators (main measurements). Visualizing indicators can efficiently communicate the information to the users if done correctly, or mislead the users if not done properly. Indicators presentation and visualization is a topic that requires special attention due to the overwhelming information that the users receive and the lack of overview solutions that drive users in missing the “big picture”. In this master thesis visualization techniques for presenting indicators are evaluated. As a result of this evaluation the most appropriate methods for presenting indicators are identified. Prototypes of visualizing indicators are developed and evaluated through interviews with engineers from a unit of a large global software development company in the Gothenburg region. The prototypes provide the users with four different solutions for presenting indicators. This study is performed at the IT University of Göteborg with a case study at the company.