Introduction to Visual Analytics by an Example

Abstract

An illustrated example of problem solving is meant to demonstrate how visual representations of data support human reasoning and deriving knowledge from data.We argue that human reasoning plays a crucial role in solving non-trivial problems. Even when the primary goal of data analysis is to create a predictive model to be executed by computers, this cannot be done without human reasoning and derivation of new knowledge, which includes understanding of the analysis subject and knowledge of the computer model built. Reasoning requires conveying information to the human’s mind, and visual representations are best suited for this. Visual analytics focuses on supporting human analytical reasoning and develops approaches combining visualisations, interactive operations, and computational processing. The underlying idea is to enable synergistic joint work of humans and computers, in which each side can effectively utilise its unique capabilities. The ideas and approaches of visual analytics are therefore very relevant to data science.