Viewing Visual Analytics as Model Building. (30th January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Andrienko, N.; Lammarsch, T.; Andrienko, G.; Fuchs, G.; Keim, D.; Miksch, S.; Rind, A.
• Is Part Of: Computer graphics forum. Volume 37:Number 6(2018)
• Page Start: 275
• Page End: 299
• Publication Date: 2018-01-30
• Subjects: visual analytics -- visualization -- [Human‐centred computing → Visual analytics]: Visualization application domains–Visual analytics; Computer graphics -- Periodicals; 006.605
• DOI: 10.1111/cgf.13324
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0167-7055

Abstract

Abstract: To complement the currently existing definitions and conceptual frameworks of visual analytics, which focus mainly on activities performed by analysts and types of techniques they use, we attempt to define the expected results of these activities. We argue that the main goal of doing visual analytics is to build a mental and/or formal model of a certain piece of reality reflected in data. The purpose of the model may be to understand, to forecast or to control this piece of reality. Based on this model‐building perspective, we propose a detailed conceptual framework in which the visual analytics process is considered as a goal‐oriented workflow producing a model as a result. We demonstrate how this framework can be used for performing an analytical survey of the visual analytics research field and identifying the directions and areas where further research is needed. Abstract : To complement the currently existing definitions and conceptual frameworks of visual analytics, which focus mainly on activities performed by analysts and types of techniques they use, we attempt to define the expected results of these activities. We argue that the main goal of doing visual analytics is to build a mental and/or formal model of a certain piece of reality reflected in data. The purpose of the model may be to understand, to forecast or to control this piece of reality. Based on this model‐building perspective, we propose a detailed conceptual framework in which the visual analytics process is considered as a goal‐oriented workflow producing a model as a result.