Data graphics and interactive information environments

Khakhar, Jignesh 2008. Data graphics and interactive information environments. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University.

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Abstract

The flow and exchange of information is characteristic of the digital age. Information is increasingly consumed and produced. It has to be stored, channelled and processed. It also has to be reproduced in new forms again and again. The exponential growth in the volume of digital data has led to new challenges to visualize this data, such that it makes a significant difference to ones understanding of this data. This gain is known as information, which ultimately transforms into knowledge. Information Visualization attempts to create tools and processes that are an aid to cognition. Although this is a relatively new but established discipline, its roots can be traced to developments in the early 17th century, to what are now termed as Data Graphics. As a precursor to modern, dynamic, computer-based visualizations, Data Graphics underpin the science of visualization. This thesis looks at the design principles that govern the construction of historic and contemporary data displays. Although the medium on which Data Graphics have historically been constructed and presented has changed from paper to the computer, design principles have remained the same regardless of the medium or the source of content. The thesis then applies these principles to construct two applications based on large, complex and multivariate data-sets. The first is a proposal for a three-dimensional radar display to visualize Air Traffic Control data. The second application is a visual navigation tool to search within a hypertext document. Both case studies apply design principles inherent in data graphics and utilise human perceptual and cognitive abilities to extract information inherent in data. Finally, both applications are tested by conducting user studies. The contributions of the thesis lie in the construction of the two novel information visualization applications stated above, and by demonstrating that data graphic design principles transcend the medium in which they are produced and presented and can greatly enhance the beauty, efficacy and effectiveness of data displays.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Architecture
ISBN:	9781303183201
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	30 March 2016
Last Modified:	26 Oct 2017 08:26
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/55749

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