Making Data Tangible: A Cross-disciplinary Design Space for Data Physicalization

  • S. Sandra Bae
  • , Clement Zheng
  • , Mary Etta West
  • , Ellen Yi Luen Do
  • , Samuel Huron
  • , Danielle Albers Szafir

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Designing a data physicalization requires a myriad of different considerations. Despite the cross-disciplinary nature of these considerations, research currently lacks a synthesis across the different communities data physicalization sits upon, including their approaches, theories, and even terminologies. To bridge these communities synergistically, we present a design space that describes and analyzes physicalizations according to three facets: context (end-user considerations), structure (the physical structure of the artifact), and interactions (interactions with both the artifact and data). We construct this design space through a systematic review of 47 physicalizations and analyze the interrelationships of key factors when designing a physicalization. This design space cross-pollinates knowledge from relevant HCI communities, providing a cohesive overview of what designers should consider when creating a data physicalization while suggesting new design possibilities. We analyze the design decisions present in current physicalizations, discuss emerging trends, and identify underlying open challenges.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCHI 2022 - Proceedings of the 2022 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery
ISBN (Electronic)9781450391573
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 29 Apr 2022
Externally publishedYes
Event2022 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, CHI 2022 - New Orleans, United States
Duration: 30 Apr 20225 May 2022

Publication series

NameConference on Human Factors in Computing Systems - Proceedings

Conference

Conference2022 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, CHI 2022
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityNew Orleans
Period30/04/225/05/22

Keywords

  • data physicalization
  • data visualization
  • design
  • design space
  • tangible user interface

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