4 September 2003Robert Morris University1 Thinking visually: A workshop with some attending ideas Robert Joseph Skovira, Ph.D. Professor of Computer Information Systems Robert Morris University, Pittsburgh PA USA Usability in Multimedia Environment Bratislava, Slovakia 3-5 September 2003

4 September 2003Robert Morris University2 Thinking visually Introduction Slovak grandfather’s workshop A workshop, assumptions & constraints Tools Materials Visual thinking Thinking visually

4 September 2003Robert Morris University3 Thinking visually Things to do - 1 Think visually about Bratislava Map pictorially home, town & city Situate pictorially Europe in its global circumstance Do a political cartoon, local v global

4 September 2003Robert Morris University4 Thinking visually Visual thinking is perception “Visual perception is visual thinking.” The seen Visualizing Imagery

4 September 2003Robert Morris University5 Thinking visually Thinking visually is not perception “To envision information…” Mental models & conceptual models Making ideas & details visible Visual thoughts Maya’s “I show.”

4 September 2003Robert Morris University6 Thinking visually Visual conception example A postcard showing Bratislava

4 September 2003Robert Morris University7 Thinking visually A classroom example Neisser’s conceptual cycle

4 September 2003Robert Morris University8 Thinking visually Tufte’s assumptions Experience is complex Things experienced are complex Communication is about experience Experiencing goes on in 3 space & time Multivariate analysis & description Communication in Flatland

4 September 2003Robert Morris University9 Thinking visually A small multiples example My exercise regimen

4 September 2003Robert Morris University10 Thinking visually Workshop example Imagining Slovakia

4 September 2003Robert Morris University11 Thinking visually Conceptual framework Conceptual representation Situational Intentional An interpretation Visual architecture

4 September 2003Robert Morris University12 Thinking visually Tufte’s assumptions Experience is complex Things experienced are complex Communication is about experience Experiencing goes on in 3 space & time

4 September 2003Robert Morris University13 Thinking visually Tufte’s constraints Use 2 dimensional objects And surfaces To render 4 dimensional experience

4 September 2003Robert Morris University14 Thinking visually Tufte’s thinking visually problem Representation of 4 dimensional experiences & ideas On 2 dimensional surfaces By showing experiential complexities

4 September 2003Robert Morris University15 Thinking visually Tufte’s thinking visually methods Macro-micro or general-specific Layering & separation Multiple small images Color Time & space stories

4 September 2003Robert Morris University16 Thinking visually Tufte’s macro-micro perspective Macro: context, generality Micro: details Information-thick world Wholeness & multiplicity Systems & parts View & details Global & local

4 September 2003Robert Morris University17 Thinking visually Tufte’s macro-micro method Comparative Contexts: macro To clarify, add details: micro Details create graphical density Details represent complexity High density design: multiple reads Multiple reads or interpretations An interpretation: a mental model Thick descriptions (Geertz)

4 September 2003Robert Morris University18 Thinking visually Tufte’s layers & separators Visual stratification Enhances dimensionality & density Generates hierarchy of visual affects Increases visual editing Directs attention Gives figure & ground Interactive affects = 3 or more Color

4 September 2003Robert Morris University19 Thinking visually Tufte’s small multiples Multivariate & dense Comparative & quantitative thinking Visual comparison, no memory work Informational slices Isolates & contextualizes details Forces maintenance of context

4 September 2003Robert Morris University20 Thinking visually Tufte’s color Labels Measures Represents Enlivens Contours Accents & highlights Points & references Improves informational resolution Bezold Effect -- interactive

4 September 2003Robert Morris University21 Thinking visually Tufte’s time & space narratives 3 space & time stories Dimensions of experience P-time & M-time (Hall)

4 September 2003Robert Morris University22 Thinking visually Tufte’s moral premise Audience is Intelligent Attentive Busy Diverse visualizing styles

4 September 2003Robert Morris University23 Thinking visually Some other assumptions Cultural frames Cultural ways of envisioning information Situational Transactional Knowledge in the head & in the world Cognitive maps