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Virginia Tech

2D Jupyter: Design and Evaluation of 2D Computational Notebooks

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

Computational notebooks are a popular tool for data analysis. However, the 1D linear structure used by many computational notebooks can lead to challenges and pain points in data analysis, including messiness, tedious navigation, inefficient use of screen space, and presentation of non-linear narratives. To address these problems, we designed a prototype Jupyter Notebooks extension called 2D Jupyter that enables a 2D organization of code cells in a multi-column layout, as well as freeform cell placement. We conducted a user study using this extension to evaluate the usability of 2D computational notebooks and understand the advantages and disadvantages that it provides over a 1D layout. As a result of this study, we found evidence that the 2D layout provides enhanced usability and efficiency in computational notebooks. Additionally, we gathered feedback on the design of the prototype that can be used to inform future work. Overall, 2D Jupyter was positively received and users not only enjoyed using the extension, but also expressed a desire to use 2D notebook environments in the future.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Science
Level thesis:degree_level
masters
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Computer Science and Applications
Department dc:contributor.department
Computer Science and Applications
Grantor dc:publisher
Virginia Tech
Year dc:date.issued
2023

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Christman, Elizabeth
Chair dc:contributor.committeechair
  • North, Christopher L.
Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember
  • Gulzar, Muhammad Ali
  • Belcaid, Mahdi

Subjects

dc:subject × 3

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • In Copyright
Language dc:language.iso
en

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Dc Identifier Other
vt_gsexam:37674
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/115412

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Virginia Tech
Base URL
vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-22
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Christman, Elizabeth. 2D Jupyter: Design and Evaluation of 2D Computational Notebooks. masters thesis, Virginia Tech, 2023. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/115412