A Problem Space for Designing Visualizations

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new problem space framework for visualization design that emphasizes understanding the needs a visualization aims to address, complementing existing task-based abstractions.

Contribution

It proposes a novel problem space framework that focuses on visualization needs, offering a new conceptual tool for designing and discussing visualizations.

Findings

Provides a new conceptual framework for visualization design

Complements existing task-based taxonomies

Enhances discussion and analysis of visualization needs

Abstract

Visualization researchers and visualization professionals seek appropriate abstractions of visualization requirements that permit considering visualization solutions independently from specific problems. Abstractions can help us design, analyze, organize, and evaluate the things we create. The literature has many task structures (taxonomies, typologies, etc.), design spaces, and related ``frameworks'' that provide abstractions of the problems a visualization is meant to address. In this viewpoint, we introduce a different one, a problem space that complements existing frameworks by focusing on the needs that a visualization is meant to solve. We believe it provides a valuable conceptual tool for designing and discussing visualizations.