"Solving a problem simply means representing it so that the solution is obvious." [Simon, 1996]
Modern information systems generate and store enormous amounts of information and data. One of the biggest challenges of the emerging information age is to make these data sets efficiently usable. The human perceptual system is exceptionally powerful in processing visual stimuli. Therefore, information design and visualization are well suited for understanding data, exploring complex information spaces, or recognizing patterns and relationships in the data.
In this course, you will learn the principles, methods, and techniques of:
- Information design
- Visual analysis
- Information visualization
- Scientific visualization
- Visual data science
To represent data and information in visual form so that:
- Complex information structures become more graspable
- The acquisition of new insights is facilitated
- The acquisition of knowledge is enabled
In doing so, the primary goal is not to design "beautiful images" but to use visual and interactive methods to convey the information as effectively as possible and gain new insights.
In the exercise part, the theoretical concepts of visualization are to be put into practice utilizing various tasks (design and programming tasks)
Content:
- Fundamentals of visualization: General introduction with definition of terms
- Historic background of visualization, Cognition, and perception / Gestalt laws of perception
- Volume visualization
- Basic techniques in information visualization
- Basics of graphic and text design
- Flow visualization
- Visualization design and table visualization
- Geographic visualization
- Visualization and interaction techniques
- Network visualization
- Design methodology, taxonomies, models, and evaluation methods
- Visual analytics and application areas
- Visual data science and application areas
The course content will be provided via TUWEL one week before the discussion unit in the form of materials (videos, slides, and articles). During the lecture unit, the topic will be discussed in more detail, and important aspects will be covered in depth. Students can ask questions for clarification and participate in small practical exercises during the lecture units.
Teaching methods:
- Lectures on concepts, methods, and techniques
- Provision of basic and advanced literature
- Discussion of the pros and cons of the concepts, methods, and techniques of the literature
- Linking to application examples
- Practical application and testing of the concepts, methods, and techniques in the practical exercises
Assessment:
- Mandatory submission of task 0 as a prerequisite for participation in the course
- Programming exercises as group assignments
- written exam at the end of the semester
Additional information
You will find all the necessary information, such as dates and deadlines, and all materials for the LVA in the Tuwel course!
Prerequisite
You must submit assignment 0 in TUWEL at the beginning of the semester. This is a prerequisite for further participation in the LVA. If task 0 is not submitted without an excuse, the participant will be deregistered from the LVA.
Material
Lecture slides and other materials will be provided for each VO unit in TUWEL. There is mandatory reading as well as further voluntary reading for those interested
ECTS breakdown (in hours)
Introduction: 2
Lectures: 28
Readings: 8
Exam preparation: 28
Examination: 2
Assignment 0: 1
Design Assignments: 37
Implementation Assignments: 44
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Total: 150 h (= 6 ECTS)
