Theoretical Foundations of Information Visualization - Information Visualization: Human-Centered Issues and Perspectives - page 46

Theoretical Foundations of Information Visualization
Helen C. Purchase 1 , Natalia Andrienko 2 , T.J. Jankun-Kelly 3 , and Matthew Ward 4
1 Department of Computing Science, University of Glasgow,
17 Lilybank Gardens, G12 8QQ, UK,
[e-mail]
2 Fraunhofer Institut Intelligent Analysis & Information Systems (FhG IAIS),
Schloss Birlinghoven, D-53754 Sankt-Augustin, Germany,
[e-mail]
3 Department of Computer Science and Engineering,
Bagley College of Engineering, Mississippi State University,
Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA,
[e-mail]
4 Computer Science Department, Worcester Polytechnic Institute,
100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA 01609-2280, USA,
[e-mail]
Abstract. The field of Information Visualization, being related to many other
diverse disciplines (for example, engineering, graphics, statistical modeling) suf-
fers from not being based on a clear underlying theory. The absence of a frame-
work for Information Visualization makes the significance of achievements in this
area difficult to describe, validate and defend. Drawing on theories within associ-
ated disciplines, three different approaches to theoretical foundations of Informa-
tion Visualization are presented here: data-centric predictive theory, information
theory, and scientific modeling. Definitions from linguistic theory are used to
provide an over-arching framework for these three approaches.
1 Introduction
Information Visualization suffers from not being based on a clearly defined underly-
ing theory, making the tools we produce difficult to validate and defend, and meaning
that the worth of a new visualization method cannot be predicted in advance of im-
plementation. There is much unease in the community as to the lack of theoretical
basis for the many impressive and useful tools that are designed, implemented and
evaluated by Information Visualization researchers.
The purpose of a theory is to provide a framework within which to explain phe-
nomena. This framework can then be used to both evaluate and predict events, in this
case, users' insight or understanding of visualization, and their use of it. An Informa-
tion Visualization theory would enable us to evaluate visualizations with reference to
an established and agreed framework, and to predict the effect of a novel visualization
method.
This is not to say that a single theory would be able to encapsulate the whole of
the Information Visualization field; it may be that multiple theories at different levels
are needed. We already make use of many existing cognitive and perceptual theories,
as well as established statistical methods. It might be that the complexity of Informa-