An Innovative User Interface Concept for Large Hierarchical Data Spaces by Example of the EPDM Domain

In this paper we will describe a new approach to navigation and interaction with the visualization of a data space of an electronic product data management (EPDM) system. The main problems are the amount of data and therefore the location of an item of interest, show specific relations and narrow or expand the information space. We combine a scalable visualization of the hierarchical data space with search and filter techniques like dynamic queries and direct manipulation to solve the stated problems. We assume that the proposed concept for EPDM can be adapted to data spaces like social networks or company structures