The lab is actively researching 3 main topics at this time: (1) data visualization design practice; (2) cognitive aspects of visualization use; and (3) user experience for scientific cyberinfrastructure. We also engage in other areas of research including design education, ux pedagogy, and learning technologies. See publications for a full list of research topics that are covered.
Data Visualization Design Practice
We investigate the design of visualizations, especially from the perspective of professional practitice. Some of our work in this area investigates design cognition, where we are interested in the cognitive processes and conceptual tools that designers use while engaged in design activities. Other aspects of our work are aimed at understanding the design processes that practitioners use and the kinds of knowledge that are valuable to them. [READ MORE]
Cognitive Aspects of Visualization Use
We investigate how people make sense of visual representations and how people think and reason with visual information. Some of our work in this area examines the cognitive structures and processes that people use to understand and think with visualizations. Other aspects of this work focus on the role of interaction in supporting thinking and reasoning with visualizations. [READ MORE]
User Experience for Scientific Cyberinfrastructure
We investigate the role of usability and user experience for science gateways and other cyberinfrastructure projects. Through our work with the Science Gateways Community Institute (SGCI), we provide short-term consulting services for scientific cyberinfrastructure platforms, with the goal of improving their user experience. We also study perceptions of value and the complexities of considering user experience for scientific cyberinfrastruture platforms. [READ MORE]
Funding
Our research is funded by the National Science Foundation, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and Purdue University. See here for more details.