Workshop: The Role of Theory in Information Visualization

Information visualization is a very applied field that prides itself on its practical applications and real-world scenarios. Ignoring the theoretical side is dangerous, however, because it limits our ability to distill useful information about the foundations of the field from the practical work being done, and limits our understanding of how and why our own creations work. The goal of this workshop at VisWeek 2010 is to bring together researchers interested in the theoretical aspects of visualization, define the field, discuss ideas and approaches, and get the word out about the importance of theoretical research in information visualization.

Topics

There are many different views of and approaches to theory in visualization. We want to discuss them and come to an understanding of what encompasses theory. Topics that the organizers currently consider theory include:

• Perceptual research
• Design studies
• Ways of systematically exploring the visualization design space
• Methodological work: how do we do our work, and how can we improve our processes?
• Representation, structure, metaphors: how and why do we attach meaning to visual shapes?
• Reference datasets and tasks

Also, how do we make it easier to publish this kind of work? What makes for a good theory paper? Can a theory paper stand on its own, without an application or immediate use? Etc.

Structure

The workshop will be based mostly on discussions. We invite speakers to submit short (2-page) position statements. A small number of these will be invited to give very brief (3-minute) presentations at the workshop. The goal is not to present large bodies of work, but to have the presentations spark discussions.

We are also planning a mini-panel, in which the panelists will give short (5-minute) presentations, with an extensive question-and-answer period afterwards.

As an extension of the workshop, we are planning a special issue of a journal devoted to theoretical work in information visualization. More details on this will be coming soon.

Deadline

Submission: September 13, 2010 (extended!)

We will notify you within a few days after the deadline whether your submission has been accepted.

Participation

Everybody at VisWeek 2010 will be welcome to participate in the discussions.

We are sending out invitations to people in the field who we consider to be interested in theoretical work. But we want to especially encourage people who may not be well known yet, or who have had an interest in theoretical work but have not published in this area yet, to participate and submit statements.

Date and Time

October 25, 2010 (Monday), from 2pm to 6pm

Format, Submission

Submissions have to be in the summary format (same as for posters) and no longer than two pages. We are not looking for expositions of research results, but rather interesting and provocative ideas, position statements, and thoughts about the scope of theory in infovis.

Accepted position papers will be made available online and be included in the VisWeek electronic proceedings.

Submit your paper by emailing a PDF file to the following address:

infovistheoryws@me.com

Feel free to post comments below if you have questions, or use the contact form

Organizers

• Robert Kosara, UNC Charlotte
• T.J. Jankun-Kelly, Mississippi State University
• Chris Weaver, University of Oklahoma