Changing the view:towards the theory of visualisation comprehension

The core problem of the evaluation of information visualisation is that the end product of visualisation - the comprehension of the information from the data - is difficult to measure objectively. This paper outlines a description of visualisation comprehension based on two existing theories of perception: principles of perceptual organisation and the reverse hierarchy theory. The resulting account of the processes involved in visualisation comprehension enables evaluation that is not only objective, but also non-comparative, providing an absolute efficiency classification. Finally, as a sample application of this approach, an experiment studying the benefits of interactivity in 3D scatterplots is presented

NetPanorama: A Declarative Grammar for Network Construction, Transformation, and Visualization

This paper introduces NetPanorama, a domain-specific language and declarative grammar for interactive network visualizations. Exploring complex networks with multivariate, geographical, or temporal information often require bespoke visualization designs, such as adjacency matrices, arc-diagrams, small multiples, timelines, or geographic map visualizations. However, creating these requires implementing data loading, data transformations, visualization, and interactivity, which is time-consuming and slows down the iterative exploration of this huge design space. With NetPanorama, a developer specifies a network visualization design as a pipeline of parameterizable steps. Our specification and reference implementation aims to facilitate visualization development and reuse; allow for easy design exploration and iteration; and make data transformation and visual mapping decisions transparent. Documentation, source code, examples, and an interactive online editor can be found online: https://netpanorama.netlify.app

paraSBOLv:a foundation for standard-compliant genetic design visualization tools

Diagrams constructed from standardized glyphs are central to communicating complex design information in many engineering fields. For example, circuit diagrams are commonplace in electronics and allow for a suitable abstraction of the physical system that helps support the design process. With the development of the Synthetic Biology Open Language Visual (SBOLv), bioengineers are now positioned to better describe and share their biological designs visually. However, the development of computational tools to support the creation of these diagrams is currently hampered by an excessive burden in maintenance due to the large and expanding number of glyphs present in the standard. Here, we present a Python package called paraSBOLv that enables access to the full suite of SBOLv glyphs through the use of machine-readable parametric glyph definitions. These greatly simplify the rendering process while allowing extensive customization of the resulting diagrams. We demonstrate how the adoption of paraSBOLv can accelerate the development of highly specialized biodesign visualization tools or even form the basis for more complex software by removing the burden of maintaining glyph-specific rendering code. Looking forward, we suggest that incorporation of machine-readable parametric glyph definitions into the SBOLv standard could further simplify the development of tools to produce standard-compliant diagrams and the integration of visual standards across fields

Digital training in the aeronautical industry:measuring the usability of two mobile applications

The air traffic control industry is highly regulated, with stringent processes and procedures to ensure that IP (Intellectual Property) and workplaces are kept secure. The training of air traffic controllers (ATCs) and other roles relating to air traffic services is a lengthy and expensive process. The rate in which trainees can be trained is projected to fall significantly short of the demand for staff to work in the air traffic industry. This paper focuses on two prototype mobile training applications - Location Indicators (LI) and the Aircraft Control Positions Operator (ACPO) Starter Pack. LI and the ACPO Starter Pack have been produced to explore how air traffic control training could be improved and supported using digital applications. Each application explores a key learning area for trainees in the air traffic control industry and presents an alternative to the equivalent training that is currently in use. The two prototypes that have been designed focus on producing a succinct user experience alongside gamified elements to improve engagement. As part of this paper, usability testing has been undertaken with LI and the ACPO Starter Pack. A total of nine usability tests have been undertaken at four different locations. These usability tests consisted of participants from differing demographics, varying experience with the current training and differing amounts of time with both applications. The System Usability Scale (SUS) was adapted and used to quantify participant’s reactions to the usability of each application. Usability scores for both applications were collected and then averaged to produce an overall score for each application. We can conclude from both usability scores and qualitative feedback that digital applications have the potential to engage future trainees in the air traffic services industry

A study of the prospects and opportunities for shellfish farming in Scotland: Final report

The study was commissioned by the Scottish Government following the recent publication of the renewed "Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture". The objectives were to: - provide Ministers with a better understanding of the industry - develop policy thinking for the new Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture - provide evidence for the Strategic Framework Shellfish Sub Group - develop policy priorities for European Fisheries Fund awards - develop priorities for Research and Development - assist businesses with their own development effortsStudy funded by Marine Scotland and undertaken by Stirling Aquacultur

A Study of the Prospects and Opportunities for Shellfish Farming in Scotland: Executive Summary

The study was commissioned by the Scottish Government following the recent publication of the renewed "Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture". The objectives were to: - provide Ministers with a better understanding of the industry - develop policy thinking for the new Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture - provide evidence for the Strategic Framework Shellfish Sub Group - develop policy priorities for European Fisheries Fund awards - develop priorities for Research and Development - assist businesses with their own development effortsStudy funded by Marine Scotland and undertaken by Stirling Aquacultur