The Explanatory Visualization Framework: An active learning framework for teaching creative computing using explanatory visualizations

J. C. Roberts; P. D. Ritsos; J. R. Jackson; C. Headleand

doi:10.1109/TVCG.2017.2745878

The Explanatory Visualization Framework: An active learning framework for teaching creative computing using explanatory visualizations

J. C. Roberts, P. D. Ritsos, J. R. Jackson, C. Headleand

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

755 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Visualizations are nowadays appearing in popular media and are used everyday in the workplace. This democratisation of visualization challenges educators to develop effective learning strategies, in order to train the next generation of creative visualization specialists. There is high demand for skilled individuals who can analyse a problem, consider alternative designs, develop new visualizations, and be creative and innovative. Our three-stage framework, leads the learner through a series of tasks, each designed to develop different skills necessary for coming up with creative, innovative, effective, and purposeful visualizations. For that, we get the learners to create an explanatory visualization of an algorithm of their choice. By making an algorithm choice, and by following an active-learning and project-based strategy, the learners take ownership of a particular visualization challenge. They become enthusiastic to develop good results and learn different creative skills on their learning journey.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	971-801
Number of pages	1
Journal	IEEE Transactions on visualization and computer graphics
Volume	24
Issue number	1
Early online date	29 Aug 2017
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1109/TVCG.2017.2745878
Publication status	Published - Jan 2018

Keywords

Algorithm design and analysis
Computational modeling
Creativity
Data visualization
Education
Visualization
Explanatory visualization
Information Visualization
Learning Support
Teaching visualization

Access to Document

10.1109/TVCG.2017.2745878

ExplanatoryVisualizationFrameworkAccepted author manuscript, 4.82 MB

5 Paper
4 Article
3 Conference contribution
1 Poster
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- 1 Editorial

Data Meets Creativity: Authentic Learning through Data Art Design and Exhibition
Roberts, J. C., 20 May 2025, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Computers and Graphics. 19 p., 104248.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Open Access
File
7 Downloads (Pure)
Path-based Design Model for Constructing and Exploring Alternative Visualisations
Jackson, J., Ritsos, P. D., Butcher, P. & Roberts, J. C., Jan 2025, In: IEEE Transactions on visualization and computer graphics. 31, 1, p. 1158-1168 11 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Open Access
File
30 Downloads (Pure)
Challenges and Opportunities in Data Visualization Education: A Call to Action
Bach, B., Keck, M., Rajabiyazdi, F., Losev, T., Meirelles, I., Dykes, J., Laramee, R. S., AlKadi, M., Stoiber, C., Huron, S., Perin, C., Morais, L., Aigner, W., Kosminsky, D., Boucher, M., Knudsen, S., Manataki, A., Aerts, J., Hinrichs, U. & Roberts, J. C. & 1 others, Carpendale, S., Jan 2024, In: IEEE Transactions on visualization and computer graphics. 30, p. 649-660 12 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Open Access
File
69 Downloads (Pure)

1 Participation in Academic conference
1 Types of Public engagement and outreach - Festival/Exhibition

Data Meets Creativity: The Data Art 2025 Exhibition
Roberts, J. (Contributor)
12 May 2025 → 2 Jun 2025
Activity: Other › Types of Public engagement and outreach - Festival/Exhibition
EduVis : Workshop on Visualization Education, Literacy, and Activities
Keck, M. (Chair), Huron, S. (Chair), Panagiotidou, G. (Chair), Stoiber, C. (Chair), Rajabiyazdi, F. (Chair), Perin, C. (Chair), Roberts, J. (Chair) & Bach, B. (Chair)
22 Oct 2023 → 27 Oct 2023
Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Participation in Academic conference

Best Short Paper (the David Duce award) for: Towards Developing a Digital application for the Five Design-Sheets Methodology
Owen, A. (Recipient) & Roberts, J. (Recipient), 16 Sept 2022
Prize: National/international honour

File

Design Methods for Computing (including Five Design-Sheets)
Roberts, J. (Participant), Ritsos, P. (Participant) & Headleand, C. (Participant)
Impact: Technological

Genii - The Genii system
Jackson, J. (Creator), Ritsos, P. (Creator), Butcher, P. (Creator) & Roberts, J. (Creator), Prifysgol Bangor University, 2017
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.12571856, http://jamesjacko.github.io/genii/ and 3 more links, http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12571917, http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12571944, http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12571856 (show fewer)
Dataset

Cite this

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The Explanatory Visualization Framework: An active learning framework for teaching creative computing using explanatory visualizations

Abstract

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