Reading: (due before class on Feb 20) Reading 6 Encodings
Discussion (initial posting due on Feb 20): LINK TO CANVAS
Encodings provide the building blocks for visualizations. In the discussion, I want you to both consider what these building blocks are, and how they are assembled into more complex visualizations.
Using spatial position as an encoding is special, which is why Munzner devotes a whole chapter (and more) to it. There is actually a separate Chapter in Ware about it as well.
I want everyone to make (at least) three initial postings. We’ll use one discussion thread for all of them. Please do each of these as a seperate posting (i.e., a thread started – not in response to another posting).
- Describe the key ideas from the encoding readings. What are the basic encodings, and how does this relate to concepts like “visual channels”? How do we combine encodings to make visualizations? How do we choose encodings? (this is the one due for Feb 20)
- Give an examples of appropriate and inappropriate encoding choices. For different encodings, what might it be good or bad for?
- Take a complex visualization (using something from a previous seek and find is good): break it down into its encodings. Which visual channels are used, and what are they used for? (a good discussion topic: are these encodings good).
Part 3 is very similar to Seek and Find 6. You can think of it as a way to practice before showing an analysis to the whole class. Please don’t use an example from your discussion for your seek and find.
As always, you are required to have 2 additional “discussion” postings (postings made in response to something someone else said). And given the new, regular schedule, you should have a first posting (Question 1) on Monday, Feb 20, and the other 5 on or before Friday (Feb 24) – although the discussion will remain open until Friday Feb 27th so you can continue to discuss, or you can put in late postings.