Sequential Visualization, Spring 2006

The world is complex, dynamic and multidimensional. How do we convey ideas, concepts and visions? Words and data alone are inadequate. To quote Edward Tufte, "To envision information—and what bright and splendid visions can result—is to work at the intersection of image, word, number and art...it is cognitive art." Mistakenly, many people see visualization as reductionism or simplification. It is not. Information visualization is about using representations—charts, diagrams, story boards, prototypes and simulations—to make the complex known and understandable and to bring clarity to problem solving and decision-making.

This course teaches students to present visual information as a tool for developing and evaluating information systems and as a fundamental part of computer interfaces. The course draws on theoretical approaches to various forms of visual explanation, including information graphics, iconic representations, and modeling notation and diagramming techniques. Having laid the groundwork in traditional, linear forms and media, it advances into interactive and "emergent" media such as computer software and digital simulations. Through a series of practical projects students learn to apply visualization techniques to interface design, to the software and website design process, and to content development.

Course Objectives

Conceptual	Practical
Understand an array of techniques to capture complexity; articulate narrative through time and space; plot data to express pattern and relationships; emphasize appropriate detail; and eliminate clutter and confusion from data.	Build expertise in analyzing and structuring large data sets into a meaningful visual display to make an argument graphically.
Probe the intersection of images, words, and data in information graphics, especially as they apply to complex problems and systems.	Build expertise in mapping visually complex websites and web applications.
Use sequential visualization to support development of simulations and emergent systems.	Develop strategies for presenting information in multiple or emergent sequences (process flows, information relationships, and human-computer interaction).

Required Reading

Designing Visual Interfaces
Kevin Mullet and Darrell Sano
Prentice Hall PTR. 1994
ISBN 0133033899

Envisioning Information
Edward Tufte
Graphics Press, 1990
ISBN 0961392118

Mapping Websites: Digital Media Design
Paul Kahn and Krzysztof Lenk
Rockport Publishers, 2001
ISBN 2880464641

Course Requirements and Policies

Students are expected to attend every scheduled class, complete the reading assignments, and participate actively in discussion. A statement of general academic policies appears on my Web site. That statement is an extension of this document. See http://iat.ubalt.edu/kaplan/policies.htm. Please also read the University's policies in the Student Handbook.

Every student is required to create a home page (this file must be named index.htm) in his/her directory on the student server: student-iat.ubalt.edu. All completed work must be posted to that directory and must be linked from the student's home page. If it is not in the right place on the server and if no link to the work appears on the home page, the work will not be counted.

Overview