Interactive Focus+Context Visualization with Linked 2D/3D Scatterplots

Scatterplots in 2D and 3D are very useful tools, but also suffer from a number of problems. Overplotting hides the true number of points that are displayed, and showing point clouds in 3D is problematic both in terms of perception and interaction. We propose

Indirect Multi-Touch Interaction for Brushing in Parallel Coordinates

Interaction in visualization is often complicated and tedious. Brushing data in a visualization such as parallel coordinates is a central part of the data analysis process, and sets visualization apart from static charts. Modifying a brush, or combining it with another one, usually requires a lot of effort and mode switches, though, slowing down interaction and even discouraging more complex questions. We propose the use of multi-touch interaction to provide fast and convenient interaction with parallel coordinates. By using a multi-touch trackpad rather than the screen directly, the user’s hands do not obscure the visualization during interaction. Using one, two, three, or four fingers, the user can easily and quickly perform complex selections. Being able to change the selections rapidly, the user can explore the data set more easily and effectively, and can focus on the data rather than the interaction

Visualization criticism — the missing link between information visualization and art

Classifications of visualization are often based on technical criteria, and leave out artistic ways of visualizing information. Understanding the differences between information visualization and other forms of visual communication provides important insights into the way the field works, though, and also shows the path to new approaches. We propose a classification of several types of information visualization based on aesthetic criteria. The notions of artistic and pragmatic visualization are introduced, and their properties discussed. Finally, the idea of visualization criticism is proposed, and its rules are laid out. Visualization criticism bridges the gap between design, art, and technical/pragmatic information visualization. It guides the view away from implementation details and single mouse clicks to the meaning of a visualization.

Evidence for Area as the Primary Visual Cue in Pie Charts

The long-standing assumption of angle as the primary visual cue used to read pie charts has recently been called into question. We conducted a controlled, preregistered study using parallel-projected 3D~pie charts. Angle, area, and arc length differ dramatically when projected and change over a large range of values. Modeling these changes and comparing them to study participants' estimates allows us to rank the different visual cues by model fit. Area emerges as the most likely cue used to read pie charts. This repository contains the pre-registration, materials, and write-up of the study

Evidence for Area as the Primary Visual Cue in Pie Charts

The long-standing assumption of angle as the primary visual cue used to read pie charts has recently been called into question. We conducted a controlled, preregistered study using parallel-projected 3D~pie charts. Angle, area, and arc length differ dramatically when projected and change over a large range of values. Modeling these changes and comparing them to study participants' estimates allows us to rank the different visual cues by model fit. Area emerges as the most likely cue used to read pie charts. This repository contains the pre-registration, materials, and write-up of the study

How do Line Charts Create Meaning?

A study investigating how line charts are read, beyond basic encodings. The file 'line-study-data.zip' contains all data files with a README; 'line-metaphors.zip' contains the study code, which also includes a data explorer to see individual participant responses in context