An Exploratory Study of Word-Scale Graphics in Data-Rich Text Documents

Area of Science:

• Information Visualization
• Graphic Design
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Word-scale graphics and visualizations are under-researched elements within text documents.
• These graphics include data-driven (e.g., sparklines) and non-data-driven visual marks.
• Existing research offers limited insight into their design, function, and application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the design and function of word-scale graphics and visualizations.
• To explore how graphic designers create and utilize these visual elements.
• To identify implications for authoring tools and environments for word-scale graphics.

Main Methods:

• An open-ended exploratory study was conducted with nine graphic designers.
• A corpus of word-scale graphics was collected, detailing their types, data provenance, and relationships.
• Analysis focused on design characteristics, usage patterns, and designer intentions.

Main Results:

• A systematic overview of word-scale graphic designs was developed.
• Designers' goals and methods for using word-scale graphics were characterized.
• Key uses included data visualization, emphasis, and narrative creation.

Conclusions:

• Word-scale graphics offer diverse functionalities beyond simple data representation.
• Understanding designer practices informs the development of better authoring tools.
• Future authoring environments can facilitate seamless integration of word-scale graphics into documents.