Approaching data visualizations as interfaces: An empirical demonstration of how data are imag(in)ed

Daniela van Geenen, M.A. Wieringa

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

This chapter points out data visualization’s double role as explorative and
communicative means in humanities research. We draw from science
and technology studies looking at the mediation process at stake: the
interaction between visualization tool and researcher. To emphasize
this mediation process and expose the various decisions at its heart we
introduce the term ‘data interface’. We highlight how visualizations function as data interfaces and visualization practices allow for interfacing
with data biographing a network graph’s ‘life’. Using the lens of the ‘data
interface’ underscores that a particular (network) visualization provides
just one perspective on the data. Moreover, we examine if and how the used
data interfaces encourage scholars to critically position their investigative
work, during research processes and communication.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationData Visualization in Society
EditorsMartin Engebretsen, Helen Kennedy
Place of PublicationAmsterdam
PublisherAmsterdam University Press
Chapter9
Pages141-156
Number of pages16
ISBN (Electronic)978 90 4854 313 7
ISBN (Print)9789463722902
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020

Keywords

  • Data interface
  • Critical positioning
  • Mediation
  • STS
  • Visualnetwork analysis

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