Capstone Address



Making Visualization Work: How Abstract is Too Abstract - How Real is Too Complex?

Kenneth R. Boff
Fitts Human Engineering Division
Armstrong Laboratory
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH
USA
kboff@al.wpafb.af.mil

Problem solving and decision making are vital components of most real-world tasks and are typically aided by means of one or more information displays. The growing volume and complexity of available information to users in these contexts has created a fertile opportunity for application of visualization techniques. The design of effective visualizations in real-time interfaces such as command and control centers, etc., must be considerate of the risks and consequences associated with time constraints, misinterpretations and environmental stressors as well as the cognitive processes engaged by users in acquiring, processing, and sharing information within this context. While the power of information visualization lies in correlating information portrayal with the characteristics and inclinations of the human information processor, its effectiveness in real world applications requires consideration as well of the nature of tasks and environmental contexts and constraints.


Program
Session 4: Visualization in Industry and Commerce
Keynote Address
Short Paper Presentations

Table of Contents