Cost Effective Visualization of Research Data for Cognitive Development Using Mobile Augmented Reality

In many fields of science, the numerical output of research work require proper interpretation in relation to real world situations. Graphical visualization is often used to ensure better comprehension of data (research outputs) by researchers, learners and other stakeholders. However, in the modern era, large scale experimentation as well as computer-based simulations are generating massive amounts of numeric data that are almost impossible to visualize using traditional plots and graphs as they are limited in both dimensions and scale. Video has gained increasing popularity for presenting data due to its ability to convey motion and time. While, such video presentations are undoubtedly useful, they provide limited contributions to cognitive development. In this paper, we examine a cost effective use of mobile Augmented Reality (AR) in the visualization of scientific research data highlighting two use-cases that show the Three Dimensional (3D) semi-immersive and interactive environment in both educational and non-educational contexts.