Collaborating Across Domains and Roles: An Interview Study of Visualization Design Practices

Area of Science:

• Information Visualization
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Interdisciplinary Studies

Background:

• Visualization design study is a key method for creating domain-specific visual solutions via collaboration.
• Existing frameworks lack domain-specific considerations, necessitating adaptive methodologies.
• Discipline-specific challenges and collaborator roles significantly impact design study effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how domain characteristics and collaborator roles influence visualization design studies.
• To identify tensions and opportunities in interdisciplinary collaboration within design studies.
• To provide practical considerations for adapting visualization methods to diverse domains.

Main Methods:

• Conducted interviews with 15 experts (domain specialists and visualization researchers/developers).
• Focused on experiences with design studies across humanities, arts, applied sciences, and AI.
• Analyzed findings regarding collaborator expectations, communication, and engagement.

Main Results:

• Differing expectations, communication styles, and engagement levels create collaboration tensions and opportunities.
• Domain-specific norms and role dynamics shape collaboration and project trajectories.
• Key stages like problem formulation, co-design, and evaluation are influenced by these factors.

Conclusions:

• Visualization researchers need to anticipate domain-specific challenges and adapt methodologies.
• Fostering mutual understanding and inclusive practices enhances design study outcomes.
• This research supports more context-sensitive and sustainable visualization design study practices across diverse fields.