ReConstructor: A Scalable Constructive Visualization Tool

TL;DR

ReConstructor is a scalable visualization authoring tool that enables efficient construction of complex visualizations by propagating mapping steps, addressing scalability issues of traditional constructive approaches.

Contribution

It introduces a novel interaction design that allows scalable construction of visualizations by propagating individual mapping steps across components.

Findings

Supports larger datasets effectively

Reduces time and effort in visualization construction

Enhances flexibility and scalability of constructive visualization tools

Abstract

Constructive approaches to visualization authoring have been shown to offer advantages such as providing options for flexible outputs, scaffolding and ideation of new data mappings, personalized exploration of data, as well as supporting data understanding and literacy. However, visualization authoring tools based on a constructive approach do not scale well to larger datasets. As construction often involves manipulating small pieces of data and visuals, it requires a significant amount of time, effort, and repetitive steps. We present ReConstructor, an authoring tool in which a visualization is constructed by instantiating its structural and functional components through four interaction elements (objects, modifiers, activators, and tools). This design preserves most of the benefits of a constructive process while avoiding scalability issues by allowing designers to propagate individual mapping steps to all the elements of a visualization. We also discuss the perceived benefits of our approach and propose avenues for future research in this area.