Information Design II:

“Information Visualization”, by Shneiderman, B., & Plaisant, C.. from chapter 14.5 of Designing the User Interface

The author defines information visualization as the use of interactive visual representations of abstract data to enhance learning. Information visualization involves the discovery of patterns and relationships in data. Information visualization researchers aspire to provide interfaces for manipulating large datasets interactively (i.e. data mining). The trade uses visual bandwidth and the human perceptual system to enable users to answer questions they didn’t know they had. Information visualization tools must be built to satisfy universal usability principles of functioning on multiple platforms, display sizes and network connections while facilitating access for users with disabilities or language barriers. Other challenges for information visualization include how to manipulate import data (how to organize data to achieve a the desired result); how to combine visual representations with textual labels that are visible without being overwhelming; how to see related information in order for learners to make meaningful judgments; how to view large volumes of data; how to integrate data mining; how to foster collaboration with others; and how to achieve universal usability.

When building learning environments, it is critical that designers organize information in multiple organizations to support an array of learning goals. For example, learners at different stages of understanding will need to analyze information in different ways. Novices may choose to explore a website in a linear or comprehensive fashion, while experts will have specific questions to which they will want to answer efficiently. In addition, the more adept learners become, the greater level of analysis they may want to perform on data This is where information visualization becomes critical. It enables learners to view information in multiple ways to arrive at new conclusions and achieve a greater level of understanding.