Ambient Analytics: Calm Technology for Immersive Visualization and Sensemaking

TL;DR

This paper explores how augmented reality can be used to embed data visualizations in everyday environments through ambient analytics, emphasizing calm technology to reduce cognitive overload.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of ambient analytics, advancing visual analytics by integrating calm, peripheral visualizations in augmented reality for better sensemaking.

Findings

Ambient analytics reduces cognitive load compared to traditional visualizations.

Augmented reality enables seamless integration of visualizations into daily life.

Calm technology enhances user experience by minimizing distraction.

Abstract

Augmented reality has great potential for embedding data visualizations in the world around the user. While this can enhance users' understanding of their surroundings, it also bears the risk of overwhelming their senses with a barrage of information. In contrast, calm technologies aim to place information in the user's attentional periphery, minimizing cognitive load instead of demanding focused engagement. In this column, we explore how visualizations can be harmoniously integrated into our everyday life through augmented reality, progressing from visual analytics to ambient analytics.