🔬 Research Preview — We're validating how spatial computing affects data comprehension. Learn about our research agenda →
Experimental Research Framework

Exploring How Data Topology
Becomes Spatial Experience

Nemosyne is an experimental framework for investigating immersive data visualization. We're testing a hypothesis: does embodied, navigable 3D space improve data comprehension compared to 2D? Help us find the answer.

Try the Experiments Our Research Agenda
Live Demo

Experimental Scene

This interactive VR scene demonstrates our experimental spatial data framework. We're testing whether the Datumplane mapping (X=relationships, Y=hierarchy, Z=time) improves comprehension compared to traditional 2D layouts.

Research Question: Does embodied navigation through 3D data space improve recall and pattern recognition? See our methodology →

Navigation

  • WASD to move through the void
  • Mouse drag to rotate perspective
  • Click data nodes to interact
  • Scroll to adjust velocity
Capabilities

Bridging Physical and Virtual

Create immersive data experiences through spatial computing for deeper understanding and intuitive manipulation.

GOALS

🎯

Spatial Data Binding

Bind real-world datasets to interactive 3D objects. Manipulate complex data through natural hand gestures and spatial interactions.

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Real-time Visualization

Stream live data into VR environments. Watch as your data updates in real-time, responding to changes in the physical world.

🤝

Collaborative Spaces

Multi-user VR environments where teams can simultaneously interact with shared data artefacts, regardless of physical location.

⚡

WebXR Native

Built on open web standards. Run in modern OSes & browsers without plugins. Compatible with Linux, Mac & Windows; Quest, HoloLens, and mobile AR.

🧩

Modular Components

Extensible architecture with reusable artefact components. Build custom data representations or use pre-built templates.

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Analytics Integration

Connect to REST APIs, GraphQL, WebSockets, or IoT streams. Visualize everything from financial data to sensor networks.

Quick Start

Define Your First Artefact

Create interactive VR objects with declarative syntax. Bind data, define interactions, and render in minutes.

import { Nemosyne, Artefact, DataBinding } from 'nemosyne';

// Create a manipulable 3D data representation
const sensorArtefact = new Artefact({
  geometry: 'crystal',
  data: new DataBinding({
    source: 'ws://sensors.local/temperature',
    mapping: {
      color: { min: '#0066ff', max: '#ff3300' },
      scale: { field: 'value', range: [1, 3] }
    }
  }),
  interactions: ['grab', 'inspect', 'timeline']
});

// Deploy to VR space
sensorArtefact.mount('#vr-scene');
Research Agenda

Building the Empirical Foundation

Nemosyne makes design assumptions that need validation. We're treating the framework as a platform for answering seven critical research questions.

1

Spatial Encoding Efficacy

Question: Does embodied, navigable 3D space produce better data comprehension than 2D alternatives, and for which task types?

Hypothesis: 3D advantages emerge for topology-reading tasks (finding bridges between clusters), not value-reading tasks (precise comparisons).

2

Datumplane Semantics

Question: Are the X/Y/Z axis assignments (relationships/hierarchy/time) congruent with human spatial intuition, or arbitrary?

Experiment: Present the same dataset in multiple axis configurations and measure comprehension speed and accuracy.

3

Topology Detection

Question: Can we reliably distinguish structural-level topology (scale-free networks, continuous fields) from schema-level patterns?

Challenge: Extend constraint programming approaches (Draco system) to the 3D design space.

4

Memory Palace Hypothesis

Question: Does encoding information in a self-constructed, navigable VR space improve recall compared to 2D representations?

Hypothesis: Self-generated spatial contexts produce stronger encoding than imposed ones (generation effect + contextual reinstatement).

5

Multi-User Shared Reference Frames

Question: When multiple users navigate the same data space simultaneously, how do shared reference frames and private viewpoints interact?

Problem: In VR, users can have literally inverted spatial reference frames. "Look at this" becomes ambiguous.

6

Perceptual Limits of 3D Density

Question: At what point does node density in 3D space cause the visualization to become illegible regardless of frame rate?

Focus: Effective field of relevant perception, depth as a data channel (vergence-accommodation conflict), clutter thresholds.

7

Artefact Semiotics

Question: When is a 3D form a better encoding than a colour channel or a label? What conditions make arbitrary shapes read as meaningful icons?

Framework: Apply semiotics (Peirce's icon/index/symbol) and affordance theory (Gibson, Norman) to 3D glyph design.

Research Applications

Potential Use Cases

These domains represent our hypotheses for where immersive data visualization may provide advantages. We're seeking collaborators to help validate (or refute) these use cases.

🏭 Industrial IoT

Monitor factory floor sensors as interactive 3D models. Spot anomalies by observing colour and scale changes in real-time.

📈 Financial Markets

Navigate market data as spatial landscapes. Walk through trading volumes and manipulate time-series in 3D space.

🔬 Scientific Research

Handle molecular structures or astronomical data at scale. Collaborate with remote teams in shared virtual labs.

🏥 Medical Imaging

Manipulate MRI and CT scans as volumetric artefacts. Annotate and discuss cases with specialists worldwide.

🌐 Smart Cities

Urban data visualization—traffic flows, energy grids, and population density as manipulable city models.

🎓 Education

Interactive learning artefacts. Students manipulate historical artifacts or mathematical concepts in VR.