Application of Information Visualization Principles at Various Stages of System Development

Abstract

Designing and developing effective information visualizations requires a systematic approach. This Practitioner Paper identifies how innovative information visualizations can be integrated into standard systems development processes. While information visualizations already exist for the design of user interfaces, new methods frequently offer further improvement in information displays. Designers should consider incorporating these advancements wherever possible. The Systems Development Process provides the structure necessary to integrate new information visualizations throughout the design process. This paper describes specific examples whereby innovative information visualization methods were integrated into a USAF R&D design effort during several phases of its development. Information visualization methods include use of micro/macro salience displays, visual language, and axiomatic designs. This approach not only improved the quality of the user displays through advancing information visualization techniques, it also minimized design modifications through use of the system development processes.