Data Visualization (CSCI 627/490)

Introduction

Dr. David Koop

D. Koop, CSCI 627/490, Fall 2020

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What is Data Visualization?

D. Koop, CSCI 627/490, Fall 2020

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How is it different from Computer Graphics?

D. Koop, CSCI 627/490, Fall 2020

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The purpose of computing is about insight, not numbers

- R. W. Hamming

D. Koop, CSCI 627/490, Fall 2020

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The purpose of visualization is about insight, not pictures

- Card, Mackinlay, Schneiderman

D. Koop, CSCI 627/490, Fall 2020

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Why do we visualize data? (vs. looking at tables?)

D. Koop, CSCI 627/490, Fall 2020

MTA Fare Data Table

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MTA Fare Data Visualization

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Why Graphics?Figures are richer; provide more information with less clutter and in less space.Figures provide the gestalt effect: they give an overview; make structure more visible.Figures are more accessible, easier to understand, faster to grasp, more comprehensible, more memorable, more fun, and less formal. list adapted from: [Stasko et al. 1998]

Why do we visualize data?

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[T. Nørretranders]D. Koop, CSCI 627/490, Fall 2020

[via A. Lex]

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What are the purposes for visualization?

D. Koop, CSCI 627/490, Fall 2020

Exploration: Subway Ridership Density

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Communication: Peyton's Records

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[G. Aisch and K. Quealy, NYTimes]D. Koop, CSCI 627/490, Fall 2020

Exploration <-> Communication Spectrum

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[K. Quealy, 2013]D. Koop, CSCI 627/490, Fall 2020

Exploration CommunicationConfirmationQuestions Answers/Persuasion

Consecutive Starts by a Quarterback for a Single Team

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What types of data can we visualize?

D. Koop, CSCI 627/490, Fall 2020

Types of Data• Tables • Networks (Graphs) • Spatial Data - Geography - Physical (e.g. Scientific, Medical)

• Text • Sets

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Where have you seen visualizations?

D. Koop, CSCI 627/490, Fall 2020

Books / Posters

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[Rock 'N' Roll is Here to Pay, R. Garofalo, 1977 (via Tufte)]D. Koop, CSCI 627/490, Fall 2020

FAQAlbum or artist: Search...Music Timeline

popu

larit

y

1982

ThrillerMichael Jackson

2003

Chocolate FactoryR. Kelly

2006

Back To BlackAmy Winehouse

2007

Good Girl Gone BadRihanna

2007

Marvin Gaye '50'Marvin Gaye

2014

XChris Brown

2014

In The Lonely HourSam Smith

1988

Past MastersThe Beatles

2006

The Essential Elvis Presley 3.0Elvis Presley

2009

My Kind Of ChristmasDean Martin

2010

Teenage DreamKaty Perry

2012

Four of a Kind - 200 Classic SongsThe Everly Brothers

2015

DeliriumEllie Goulding

2015

VMaroon 5

19501950

1950

19601960

1960

19701970

1970

19801980

1980

19901990

1990

20002000

2000

20102010

2010Comedy/SpokenWord/Other

World

Vocal/Easy Listening

Folk LatinReggae

Dance/ElectronicR&B/Soul

Blues Hip-Hop/Rap

Alternative/Indie

Country

Metal

Jazz Rock

Pop

Web

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[Music Timeline, Google Research]D. Koop, CSCI 627/490, Fall 2020

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What is the advantage of the second version?

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Interaction

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How do we create modern visualizations?

D. Koop, CSCI 627/490, Fall 2020

Tools• Desktop Applications: - Excel (see excelcharts.com) - Tableau - …

• Grammars: - Vega-Lite

• Programming Frameworks - d3.js - deck.gl, MapboxGL - …

• Tradeoffs - Speed - Customization - Understanding - Dissemination

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Data-Driven Documentsd3.js

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Why do we care about the design of visualizations?

D. Koop, CSCI 627/490, Fall 2020

Design: Focus on only the y-axis

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[S. Hayward, 2015]D. Koop, CSCI 627/490, Fall 2020

Design: Year on the y-axis

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[@bizweekgraphics]D. Koop, CSCI 627/490, Fall 2020

Design: Different y-axis

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[S. Hayward, 2015]D. Koop, CSCI 627/490, Fall 2020

Administrivia• Course Web Site • Syllabus - Plagiarism - Accommodations

• Textbook: - Required: Munzner (VAD) - Recommend: Murray, 2nd ed. (IDV)

• Assignments • Exams: Midterm (Oct. 15) and Final (TBA) • Registration

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Administrivia• Undergraduate (CSCI 490) and Graduate (CSCI 627) - Graduate: Extra reading, exam questions, project emphasis

• Research Topics: - Also investigate some topics in depth - Research papers as assigned reading (CSCI 627)

• Project: Create an interactive visualization (or vis research) - Design - Data analysis - Insight - Presentations: Last week of class

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Online Synchronous Course• Lectures will be given 9:30-10:45am TuTh - Better for learning if you are engaged - Ask questions - Please mute your microphone if you are not asking a question or discussing - Please advise me of any issues

• Slides will be posted to the course website • Recordings will be made available on Blackboard

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Office Hours & Email• Office hours will be held via Blackboard Collaborate • Scheduled office hours are open to all students - TTh: 11am-12pm, or by appointment

• You do not need an appointment to stop in during scheduled office hours • If you need an appointment outside of those times, please email me with

details about what you wish to discuss • Many questions can be answered via email. Please consider writing an

email before scheduling a meeting.

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