Exemplifying the Inter-Disciplinary Nature of Visualization Research

Abstract

This paper proposes an interdisciplinary design process for the development of novel visualization techniques and discusses requirements for ensuring that such a process results in effective techniques which meet the demands of a the target user base. In essence, we are attempting to make explicit the process by which many researchers implicitly design visualizations and urge for greater explicit collaborations between fields to improve the effectiveness of visualization design. This process is dependent on the application of cognitive psychology, art and architecture, domain experts, and target users. We discuss how such a wide and disparate group must work together in an integrated fashion within the design process. We lay out the process itself as well as typical design goals. Given the importance of perception, we highlight the impact of perception, and thus cognitive psychology, on the visual interpretation process.