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Visualization Solutions for Visualization Solutions for Effective CommunicationEffective Communication

Warren C. Weber

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

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Escaping “Flatland”Escaping “Flatland”

• We are caught up in a two-dimensional world which we need to escape (letters, reports, e-mail)

• We need to envision information that is complex and multivariate

• We must try to enrich the density of data displays

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Purposes of this PresentationPurposes of this Presentation

• Explain the nature of “visualization”• Examine techniques of designing

information• Provide examples of visualization

tools and techniques• Suggest visualization techniques for

training and education

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What is Visualization?What is Visualization?

1. Forming mental images or pictures to make things and ideas more perceptible to the mind or imagination. (“A picture is worth a thousand words”)

2. Exploring data, information, and processes graphically to understand and gain insight

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Directing the Directing the “movies of your mind” “movies of your mind”

• Create mental images which can be transformed into reality

• To say “I see!” is to mean “I understand”

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Positive Mental ImageryPositive Mental Imagery

• Athletes• Dick Fosbury—high jumper

• Business Deals• Onassis, Hilton

• “Think and Grow Rich”

• “The Power of Positive Thinking”

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The Communicator’s TaskThe Communicator’s Task

• Communicators should make it easy for others to visualize the reality of the way things are.

• Transform data and information into forms (graphic) that can be quickly and effectively understood

• Aid others in understanding real-world situations clearly

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Two Aspects of VisualizationTwo Aspects of Visualization

1. More effective use of traditional graphics (figures, graphs, tables)

2. Capitalizing on “scientific visualization” techniques to gain insight and understanding into data and processes

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Evolving Communication Evolving Communication TechniquesTechniques

• Traditional

• Improved

• Visualization Rich

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Level A—TraditionalLevel A—Traditional

• Oral (speaking)

• Written (letters, reports, memorandums)

• Numbers

• Typography

• Drawings

• Statistics

• Managing Data Sets

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Level B—ImprovedLevel B—Improved

• Telecommunications

• E-Mail

• Tables

• Figures, Graphs, Photography

• Moving Pictures

• Multivariate Statistical Analysis

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Level C—Visualization RichLevel C—Visualization Rich

• Digital Sound Processing

• V-Mail

• Simulations

• Stereoscopic (3-D) Images

• Metamorphosis

• Holography

• Virtual Reality

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Presentation Graphics vs. Presentation Graphics vs. VisualizationVisualization

• Presentation Graphics—Communicating results already understood

• Visualization—Seeking to understand and gain insight into data and processes

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Envisioning InformationEnvisioning Information

• Work at the intersection of Image, Word, Number, and Art

Image

Word Number

Art

Envisioning

Information

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Developing Effective Developing Effective Visual DisplaysVisual Displays

• Transform raw data into pictures and words

• Utilize writing, typography, managing data sets, statistical analysis, and basic rules of design

• Simultaneously present words, numbers, and pictures

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Graphical ExcellenceGraphical Excellence

• Well-designed presentation of interesting data

• Complex ideas communicated with clarity, precision, and efficiency

• Greatest number of ideas in shortest time with least ink in the smallest space

• Multivariate• Telling the truth about the data

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Graphical IntegrityGraphical Integrity• Some graphics “lie” due to distortion

and differences in perception among the viewers and the context in which they are seen

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The “Lie” FactorThe “Lie” Factor

Size of Effect Shown in Graphic

Size of Effect in Data=

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Skills Required to Skills Required to Produce Good GraphicsProduce Good Graphics

• Substantive

• Statistical

• Artistic

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Computers Allow Easy Computers Allow Easy Preparation of GraphsPreparation of Graphs

• But, there is a tendency to use computers without the statistical or artistic knowledge of what makes a good graph

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Small MultiplesSmall Multiples

• Showing complex data in a relatively small area—allow viewer to see large amounts of data at once

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Aesthetics and TechniqueAesthetics and Technique

• Good format and design• Use words, numbers, and drawing

together• Balance, proportion, relevant scale• Accessible complexity of detail• Narrative quality—tell a story• Avoid unnecessary decoration or

“chartjunk”

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““Friendly” GraphicsFriendly” Graphics

• Words spelled out• Labels placed on the graphic• Graphic attracts viewers,

provokes curiosity• Colors chosen so that even color-

deficient and color-blind can understand

• Type clear, precise, modest. Upper/lower case, with serifs

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Column ChartColumn Chart

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1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr

EastWestNorth

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Area ChartArea Chart

020406080

100120140160180

1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr

NorthWestEast

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Scientific Visualization ToolsScientific Visualization Tools

• Motion picture and video techniques—digital effects

• Computer animation and 3-D modeling

• Simulations• Metamorphosis• Holography• Artificial (Virtual) Reality

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Uses of Scientific Visualization Uses of Scientific Visualization

• Previously unseen or understood phenomena and processes

• Design—automobiles, airplanes, clothing

• Cosmetic surgery, hairstyling• Weather forecasting, oil, space, and

mineral exploration• Crime reënactment

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Uses of Scientific Uses of Scientific Visualization, Cont’d.Visualization, Cont’d.

• Non-destructive and non-evasive examination of internal living organisms

• Genetic engineering• Turbulence effect of fluid flows• Interactive steering of

computations

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a

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Understanding IdeasUnderstanding Ideas• Debating the interrelationships of

Design, Business, Engineering, Creativity, and Quality

E B

D

E

B D

C

E

B D

C

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Training Objectives for Training Objectives for Improving VisualizationImproving Visualization

• Perception• Basic statistical and computer

concepts • Basic design principles• Principles of graphical excellence,

integrity, and aesthetics• Examples of visualization

hardware and software

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RecommendationsRecommendations

• Avoid thinking in “two-dimensional flatland” and include 3-D concepts in education

• Help learners envision complex, multivariate data and processes more easily by involving these concepts in education.

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Have you visualized Have you visualized some . . .some . . .

Questions? ?