Using treemaps to visualize the Analytic Hierarchy Process

Treemaps, a visualization method for large hierarchical data spaces, are used to augment the capabilities of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for decision-making. Two direct manipulation tools, presented metaphorically as a ''pump'' and a ''hook,'' were developed and applied to the treemap to support AHP sensitivity analysis, Users can change the importance of criteria dynamically on the two-dimensional treemap and immediately see the impact on the outcome of the decision, This fluid process dramatically speeds up exploration and provides a better understanding of the relative impact of the component criteria, A usability study with six subjects using a prototype AHP application showed that treemap representation was acceptable from a visualization and data operation standpoint.