ONLINE INFORMATION VISUALIZATION OF OPINIONS ABOUT RESTAURANTS: USE OF GRAPH ORIENTED VISUALIZATION TECHNIQUES

Abstract

The scientific interest in the analysis of online reviews available on the Web 2.0 is growing. The results are usually massive and made available in tabular or textual format. As a result, the readability of information is reduced and consequently the human-machine interaction is compromised. Moreover, the area of Information Visualization (VI) can be a valuable help to remedy this deficiency, but has been little explored in this context. This article introduces a novel application of techniques of graph-oriented visualization from the data analysis of online reviews about restaurants. Special emphasis is given to the visual mapping of the main aspects mentioned (e.g., the quality of food or service) as well as the type of attitude expressed in the opinion (e.g., appreciation or judgment). Views are designed to support the decision-making process of restauranteurs, customers and prospective customers.