Moving Data-Chaos to a Clarity of Vision: Findings on Information Design from the University of Idaho Department of Art

摘要

Through a state funded grant initiative, the Department of Art at the University of Idaho has recently founded an information visualization studio. We specialize in interdisciplinary research on developing visualization techniques that allow a transformation of complex data into visual formats while providing clarity and exposing underlying structures. Clear and concise visualization of information makes this understanding more immediate. It also allows for added critical thinking about a subject. For example, in the area of hardware and software design, existing visualizations of structures are often clouded by an engineer's previous knowledge about the subject. They know what they are looking at, but a machine doesn't, nor does an end user. Clear graphics developed by an information designer make it easier to see problems and give parameters that a programmer can then apply to building a better system. We seek to produce visualization systems, methodologies, and examples for the resolution of problems where visual demonstration of concepts and materials enhances, even permits, understanding. We intend to summarize the findings of our project by illustrating and demonstrating techniques, which we have developed, for manipulating raw data into clear graphic presentations of complex systems for decision making. We will also summarize our findings on methods for creating visualizations designed to assist individuals with perceptual or cognitive difficulties.