BeauVis: A Validated Scale for Measuring the Aesthetic Pleasure of Visual Representations

Area of Science:

• Data Visualization
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Existing research lacks a standardized scale for assessing the aesthetic pleasure of data visualizations.
• Researchers often use varied terminology, hindering consistent evaluation of visual appeal.
• A dedicated instrument is needed to objectively compare the aesthetic qualities of visualizations.

Approach:

• Developed and validated the BeauVis scale, a novel rating instrument for aesthetic pleasure in visual data representations.
• Conducted a multi-step research process including a systematic literature review, expert consultation, and a confirmatory survey.
• The final BeauVis scale comprises five items: enjoyable, likable, pleasing, nice, and appealing.

Key Points:

• The BeauVis scale provides a simple, context-independent method for comparing visualization aesthetics.
• It can be integrated into controlled experiments or qualitative studies to gather aesthetic data.
• The scale addresses the need for a unified approach to measuring visualization beauty.

Conclusions:

• The BeauVis scale is the first validated instrument specifically designed to quantify the aesthetic pleasure of data visualizations.
• This contributes a standardized tool for researchers and practitioners to evaluate and compare visual aesthetics.
• The scale facilitates more consistent and objective assessment of visualization design quality.