Slashdot Mirror
A Taxonomy of Visualization Techniques
CowboyRobot writes "The ACM's Queue magazine has a new, comprehensive taxonomy of visualization techniques, drawing from the theories of Edward Tufte and citing examples from academia, government, and the excellent NYT visualization team. This list contains 12 steps for turning data into a compelling visualization: Visualize, Filter, Sort, Derive, Select, Navigate, Coordinate, Organize, Record, Annotate, Share, & Guide. 'For developers, the taxonomy can function as a checklist of elements to consider when creating new analysis tools.' The citations alone make this an article worth bookmarking."
.. I can't help but think of this as more of a way to make data look the way you want it to.
In short, a visually pleasing way to bend the facts that are presented in the data.
Yes, of course visualisation can be used for that -- the same way statistics in general can be manipulated. But that is an abuse of the tools. I do understand what you're saying though (I think): it might be an easy trap to fall in if one becomes focussed on presentation and therefore losing sight of the actual goal. Used correctly I think visualisation software can provide many insights that would be difficult (prohibitively time-expensive, or just plain non-intuitive) using other traditional methods. As always though, it is up to the author(s) to ensure that the presented data (i.e. information) is correct.
This is easily the most densely packed with usefulness article I've seen on /. in months.
The irony that THIS OF ALL ARTICLES is partially hidden visually "makes me want to vomit"!
It is ironic that anyone promoting data visualisation would slavishly copy the layout of the periodic table of the elements, which is one of the most brilliant examples in the history of the field precisely because it is derived from the real underlying structure of the chemical elements and as a result it highlights useful practical relationships. I have yet to discover another data set with the same underlying structure and the same resulting relationships between the data points, and thus I have yet to discover another context where that kind of periodic table is a useful tool rather than a gimmick.
That said, the content itself at the site you linked to seems interesting. It's just a shame they cheapened it by using a completely inappropriate metaphor.
If you disagree, post your argument. (-1, Overrated) isn't your personal censorship tool for views you don't like.