The Huge Variable Space in Empirical Studies for Visualization -- A Challenge as well as an opportunity for Visualization Psychology

TL;DR

This paper discusses the vast and complex variable space in visualization empirical studies, highlighting challenges and opportunities for better exploration to enhance understanding of visualization psychology.

Contribution

It identifies the challenge of exploring a large variable space in visualization studies and proposes approaches to address this issue effectively.

Findings

Large variable space in visualization studies hampers comprehensive exploration

Current pace limits understanding of visualization processes

Proposed methods aim to improve exploration efficiency

Abstract

In each of the last five years, a few dozen empirical studies appeared in visualization journals and conferences. The existing empirical studies have already featured a large number of variables. There are many more variables yet to be studied. While empirical studies enable us to obtain knowledge and insight about visualization processes through observation and analysis of user experience, it seems to be a stupendous challenge for exploring such a huge variable space at the current pace. In this position paper, we discuss the implication of not being able to explore this space effectively and efficiently, and propose means for addressing this challenge.