A human cognition framework for information visualization

• Published in: Computers & graphics Vol. 42; pp. 42 - 58
• Main Authors: Patterson, Robert E., Blaha, Leslie M., Grinstein, Georges G., Liggett, Kristen K., Kaveney, David E., Sheldon, Kathleen C., Havig, Paul R., Moore, Jason A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2014; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Artificial intelligence; Cognition; Cognitive augmentation; Communities; Computer science; control theory; systems; Computer systems and distributed systems. User interface; Data processing. List processing. Character string processing; Data visualization; Exact sciences and technology; Human; Human cognition; Information visualization; Learning; Learning and adaptive systems; Memory organisation. Data processing; Pattern recognition. Digital image processing. Computational geometry; Reasoning; Software; Visual; Visual analytics; Visual attention; Visualization; Information visualization; Human cognition; Visual analytics; Visual attention; Cognitive augmentation; Induction; Top down method; Cognition; Chunking; Human factor; Mental model; Cognitive theory; Reasoning; Data visualization; Graphical interface; Analogy; Artificial intelligence
• ISSN: 0097-8493; 1873-7684
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cag.2014.03.002

We present a human cognition framework for information visualization. This framework emphasizes how top-down cognitive processing enables the induction of insight, reasoning, and understanding, which are key goals of the visual analytics community. Specifically, we present a set of six leverage points that can be exploited by visualization designers in order to measurably influence certain aspects of human cognition: (1) exogenous attention; (2) endogenous attention; (3) chunking; (4) reasoning with mental models; (5) analogical reasoning; and (6) implicit learning. [Display omitted] •We present a human cognition framework for information visualization.•It explicitly articulates the connection between visualization and cognition.•It focuses on close interaction between visualization designers and subject-matter experts.•Effective visualizations should influence attention and influence memory.•We offer 6 leverage points to link human cognition to information visualization.