Lifting Business Process Diagrams to 2.5 Dimensions

In this work, we describe our visualization approach for business processes using 2.5 dimensional techniques (2.5D). The idea of 2.5D is to add the concept of layering to a two dimensional (2D) visualization. The layers are arranged in a three-dimensional display space. For the modeling of the business processes, we use the Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN). The benefit of connecting BPMN with a 2.5D visualization is not only to obtain a more abstract view on the business process models but also to develop layering criteria that eventually increase readability of the BPMN model compared to 2D. We present a 2.5D Navigator for BPMN models that offers different perspectives for visualization. Therefore we also develop BPMN specific perspectives. The 2.5D Navigator combines the 2.5D approach with perspectives and allows free navigation in the three dimensional display space. We also demonstrate our tool and libraries used for implementation of the visualizations. The underlying general framework for 2.5D visualizations is explored and presented in a fashion that it can easily be used for different applications. Finally, an evaluation of our navigation tool demonstrates that we can achieve satisfying and aesthetic displays of diagrams stating BPMN models in 2.5D-visualizations.