Over the years I’ve worked on a number of projects in this domain (trained as an architect, now designing digital environments), and one of the key insights I can add to this discussion is the idea of perspective. The ability to locate information in spatial configurations allows you to immediately place information in front, above, to the side, below, and behind, giving one the instant ability to orientate each piece of information in relationship to each other – a skill that we use all the time in everyday life. Overlay this idea with temporarily, and then you have a truly new way of working with information that can shift between compositions, and allow new associations to be made. (http://www.moma.org/interactives/exhibitions/2008/elasticmind/#/71/) . Once you – as a knowing presenter – understands where things are, it’s very easy to re-find content, and a 3D environment becomes a wonderful way to present your informational landscape. (however I have meet people that just can’t perceive 3D space via a computer screen, so it can’t be taken for granted as a solution for all )

Virtual environments provide a great context to locate these informational representations, as shared information spaces, and here are some visuals of that idea http://www.oomcreative.com/objects-and-channels

Sound also begins to play a critical role when one starts to visualize in 3D. We actually recall more information/memories from sound recordings than captured imagery. And it’s interesting that the idea of the memory palaces, and original ideas of place making through memory were to retain aural histories.

Great comments, everyone. I’m feeling very grateful right now to be connected to so many smart, thoughtful people. I have a few additional thoughts about this topic:

* Just because I and a few others I’ve talked to find it faster and easier to locate information in 3D than by navigating the computer file system, does this mean it’s true for everyone?
* It seems it would only be easier for a person to find information in 3D than the hierarchical way if they are intimately familiar with the 3D space. If I had never visited the ThinkBalm Data Garden before I would have absolutely no idea where to go to find a particular piece of information.
* Does the need to be familiar with the 3D layout of information have implications for features of enterprise immersive platforms? Does it have to be easy for business users — not tech heads — to create data spaces that work for them and their teams?
* I think that part of why I am able to find information in the ThinkBalm Data Garden more easily and quickly than via my file system is because at many of the data stations the data is displayed in interactive, visual, non-traditional ways. These stick in my mind. The 2D PowerPoint charts are there too for people who want them. But they are just the “backup points” for the data experience.

I’m sure there are also some modern texts out of psychology etc. that address the issue also, I’d love to find a good one (for a non-psychologist) if anyone is aware of one.

This is an interesting book that describes the technique and history in detail: “The Art of Memory” by Frances Yates.. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0226950018?tag=interrealityo-20