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How do People Make Sense of Unfamiliar Visualizations?: A Grounded Model of Novice's Information Visualization
IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics
|November 4, 2015
Summary
This study introduces the NOvice's information Vlsualization Sensemaking (NOVIS) model, detailing five cognitive activities users engage in when interpreting unfamiliar information visualizations. The model clarifies how individuals make sense of complex data representations.
Area of Science:
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Information Visualization
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Understanding how users interpret unfamiliar information visualizations is crucial for effective data communication.
- Existing models may not fully capture the cognitive processes involved in initial encounters with novel visualization types.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and model the sensemaking process of individuals encountering unfamiliar information visualizations for the first time.
- To identify the key cognitive activities involved in interpreting novel data visualizations.
Main Methods:
- A qualitative study involving 13 participants observing and interacting with three unfamiliar visualizations: parallel-coordinates plot, chord diagram, and treemap.
- Data collection through think-aloud sessions and semi-structured interviews.
- Grounded theory methodology for data analysis.
Main Results:
- Development of the NOvice's information Vlsualization Sensemaking (NOVIS) model.
- Identification of five core cognitive activities: encountering visualization, constructing a frame, exploring visualization, questioning the frame, and floundering on visualization.
- Insights into the dynamics and interplay of these cognitive activities.
Conclusions:
- The NOVIS model provides a framework for understanding novice information visualization sensemaking.
- The findings highlight the challenges and strategies users employ when faced with novel data visualizations.
- Further research can build upon the NOVIS model to improve visualization design and user training.
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