Information Visualisation

This subject is not offered in 2011.

Creating engaging and interactive representations of large sets of data (numeric, text, relationships) is crucial in areas of science, business and governance. But how can you present those data in ways that engage and excite your audience? What role can interactivity play to help people explore your data?

The visualisation of data and concepts is of great importance in science, serving both as a means of investigation and also a means of communicating to other scientists, business, government and the public. Students should learn the principles of visualisation design, and gain an understanding of the following topics: categories and concepts of data and their mapping to visual displays; the nature and purpose of different types of data plots, diagrams and other visual representations; the psychology of decision-making in relation to visualisation, including systematic distortions and manipulations of perception; and historic and contemporary uses of visualisation and its role in the creation and dissemination of new knowledge. Students should learn how to apply this knowledge to the design of effective visualisations for various audiences.

• understand and be able to apply principles of effective visualisation, including: data plots; theoretical models; and interactive displays;
• appreciate the role of visualisations in the development and dissemination of arguments and knowledge, including the psychology of decision-making relevant to visualisation, and the role of visualisation in historic and contemporary science, business and governance.

Weekly participation during lectures and workshops throughout the semester (discussions and online submissions 20%).

Project 1: Group Report. The visual analysis of data sets expected to take about 14 hours (20%) due during the first part of the semester.

Project 2: Individual Report. A visualisation project expected to take about 22 hours (25%) due near the end of the semester. It will include an oral presentation.

Peer review: Aspects of students’ work will be reviewed by other students using an anonymous peer review process (5%).

Exam: 2-hour end-of-semester written examination (30%). A pass in the examination is a hurdle requirement for this subject.

Spence, R. Information Visualization: A Design for Interaction Pearson/Prentice Hall. 2nd Edition 2007

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

On completion of this subject students should have developed the following generic skills:

• the ability to analyse and solve real-world problems with computers;
• the ability to synthesise information and communicate results effectively;
• the ability to work effectively as a member of a project team;
• the capacity for critical and independent thought and reflection;
• the ability to make an oral presentation.

This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course.

Students undertaking this subject will be expected to regularly access an internet-enabled computer.