Setting the Purpose and Identifying Key Factors - Data Visualization: A Successful Design Process - page 44

Their key responsibility is also to be capable of ensuring the harmony of the solution
between its form and its function, ensuring it is aesthetically appealing to draw in the
reader while fundamentally delivering the intended, communicated message.
The cognitive scientist
The cognitive scientist is the thinker in terms of appreciating the science behind
the effectiveness of the technical and designed solutions. They have the visual
perception knowledge about how the eye and the brain work most effectively and
efficiently. They also have deep knowledge about concepts such as the Gestalt Laws,
communication theories, color theories, and human-computer interaction principles.
Additionally, they are able to inform the design process in relation to the complexities
of how the mind works in terms of memory, attention, decision-making, and
behavioral change.
The communicator
The communicator is, naturally, concerned with the communication side of the
project. With their hard hat on, they act as the negotiator and presenter, operating at
the client-customer-designer gateway, helping to inform all those who are involved
on progress, requirements, problems, and solutions. The communicator needs to
be close to all stages of the process, understanding requirements, appreciating
restrictions, recognizing possibilities, and then ultimately launching, publicizing,
and showcasing the final work. An ability to articulate and explain matters to
different types of people, technical and non-technical, and be capable of managing
expectations and relationships is vital.
The project manager
This final role is essentially that of the manager or coordinator, the person who
does much to pick up many of the unpopular duties to help bring the whole project
together. They manage the project's process and its progress, ensuring it is cohesive,
on time, and on message. They understand the brief and identify/manage all the
key factors surrounding the project. Ultimately, this role is required to ensure things
get finished, so they need to have an eye for detail, the commitment and patience to
check everything and they should also be concerned with integrity matters around
visualization ethics.