DIKU Talk by Stephen Kobourov: Visualizing Data with Familiar Metaphors

Title

Visualizing Data with Familiar Metaphors

Abstract

Visualization allows us to find patterns and trends and perceive relationships in large data sets. While statistical techniques may answer specific questions, visualization helps us frame what questions to ask. Map-like visualizations rely on a familiar visualization metaphor. Due to the abundance of maps – political maps, city maps, subway maps – most people find them intuitive and non-intimidating. Knowing the traditional interactions, such as zooming and panning, also helps make map-like visualizations easy to understand and use. Finally, map-like visualizations are associated with better engagement and knowledge retention.

Bio

Stephen Kobourov is a Professor of Computer Science at the University of Arizona. He completed BS degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science at Dartmouth College in 1995, and a PhD in Computer Science at Johns Hopkins University in 2000.  He has worked as Research Scientist at AT&T Research Labs, Humboldt Fellow at the University of Tübingen in Germany, and Distinguished Fulbright Chair at Charles University in Prague.