Defragging Datavisualizations: Adding new insights on the analysis of the external physical form of datavisualizations to the field of Information Visualization

Abstract

The field of Information Visualization or datavisualization is related to a wide variety of other disciplines (like computer science and statistical analysis), but because of this it lacks a clear theoretical base upon which scholars and researchers can build their research. This makes describing and comparing achievements within the field hard to validate and defend. Since datavisualization is a process that involves the computer as well as the human, both sides should receive attention within Information Visualization theory. By drawing on theory on the external physical form of datavisualizations and images like that of Lev Manovich (2011), the abstraction/figuration distinction and Peirce’s Sign Theory (1974 [1931-1958]), this thesis will explore in what way these theoretical approaches can help to further shape the theory and tools needed for the analysis and interpretation of datavisualizations within the field of Information Visualization.