Visual Design Research Articles

Visual cognition-based optimised design of primary flight displays in cockpits

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different cockpit primary flight display (PFD) interface designs on pilot cognitive efficiency and cognitive load. This study designed five optimised PFD interfaces and conducted interface cognition experiments to assess cognitive responses across six different PFD interface designs, including the original design. It compared various subjective and objective metrics across different interface designs and evaluated the impact of each design factor on cognitive task performance. The experimental results show that the PFD interface in the original interface design performs better under different flight symbol designs, and the interface with 50% increase in font size performs better among interface designs with different font sizes with relatively lower cognitive load. This study provides experimental support and optimization suggestions for the optimal design of cockpit PFD interface, which can help improve pilots’ perception and operational capabilities, and thus enhance task performance efficiency and flight safety. Future research can investigate the effects of various design factors on the cognitive effects of the interface to enhance the ongoing improvement and optimisation of interface design.

Visualisation Design Ideation with AI: A New Framework, Vocabulary, and Tool

This paper introduces an innovative framework for visualisation design ideation, which includes a collection of terms for creative visualisation design, the five-step process, and an implementation called VisAlchemy. Throughout the visualisation ideation process, individuals engage in exploring various concepts, brainstorming, sketching ideas, prototyping, and experimenting with different methods to visually represent data or information. Sometimes, designers feel incapable of sketching, and the ideation process can be quite lengthy. In such cases, generative AI can provide assistance. However, even with AI, it can be difficult to know which vocabulary to use and how to strategically approach the design process. Our strategy prompts imaginative and structured narratives for generative AI use, facilitating the generation and refinement of visualisation design ideas. We aim to inspire fresh and innovative ideas, encouraging creativity and exploring unconventional concepts. VisAlchemy is a five-step framework: a methodical approach to defining, exploring, and refining prompts to enhance the generative AI process. The framework blends design elements and aesthetics with context and application. In addition, we present a vocabulary set of 300 words, underpinned from a corpus of visualisation design and art papers, along with a demonstration tool called VisAlchemy. The interactive interface of the VisAlchemy tool allows users to adhere to the framework and generate innovative visualisation design concepts. It is built using the SDXL Turbo language model. Finally, we demonstrate its use through case studies and examples and show the transformative power of the framework to create inspired and exciting design ideas through refinement, re-ordering, weighting of words and word rephrasing.

Beyond Aesthetics: Players, Player-Characters and Interactivity-as-Demand in Cozy Games

Cozy games are often defined by their soft visual design, ambient audio, and low risk gameplay that addresses a range of themes from casual to meaningful. Typically, they also center on simple gameplay in terms of control schema and the ability to disconnect, as a safe, relaxing play space, and with its easy exits points to quit the game. While these aspects have been discussed in both scholarly and media entertainment writing, the demands (or lack thereof) have yet to be explored from a theoretical perspective. Through the lens of interactivity-as-demand theory, this paper aims to explore the connection between the gameplay experience as it relates to cognitive, physical, social, and emotional demands and the in-game representations of the player-character. Through this analytical lens, it is possible to understand the consistency and disconnect of demands as experienced by the player compared to how they are (re)presented on screen which has potential implications related to the player’s expectations and design principles of cozy games.

Use of Artificial Intelligence Technologies in Visual Design

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems crafted to replicate human cognitive functions such as learning, perception, and problem-solving. Recently, AI technologies have gained widespread popularity across various domains including healthcare and finance. They have also significantly impacted visual design. This study investigates the burgeoning influence and utilization of AI technologies in visual design, delving into their effects and applications. It scrutinizes how AI innovations transform visual design processes, influence creativity, and shape design practices. The research emphasizes the emergence of AI-powered design tools, their impact on designer creativity, and the potential advantages and drawbacks they pose to creative processes. Furthermore, it examines the ethical and practical dimensions inherent in integrating AI into design practices. By thoroughly assessing AI's impact on visual design, the study aims to prognosticate future technological advancements in this realm.

Co-Designing Dynamic Mixed Reality Drill Positioning Widgets: A Collaborative Approach with Dentists in a Realistic Setup.

Mixed Reality (MR) is proven in the literature to support precise spatial dental drill positioning by superimposing 3D widgets. Despite this, the related knowledge about widget's visual design and interactive user feedback is still limited. Therefore, this study is contributed to by co-designed MR drill tool positioning widgets with two expert dentists and three MR experts. The results of co-design are two static widgets (SWs): a simple entry point, a target axis, and two dynamic widgets (DWs), variants of dynamic error visualization with and without a target axis (DWTA and DWEP). We evaluated the co-designed widgets in a virtual reality simulation supported by a realistic setup with a tracked phantom patient, a virtual magnifying loupe, and a dentist's foot pedal. The user study involved 35 dentists with various backgrounds and years of experience. The findings demonstrated significant results; DWs outperform SWs in positional and rotational precision, especially with younger generations and subjects with gaming experiences. The user preference remains for DWs (19) instead of SWs (16). However, findings indicated that the precision positively correlates with the time trade-off. The post-experience questionnaire (NASA-TLX) showed that DWs increase mental and physical demand, effort, and frustration more than SWs. Comparisons between DWEP and DWTA show that the DW's complexity level influences time, physical and mental demands. The DWs are extensible to diverse medical and industrial scenarios that demand precision.

Ancient Oriental Spirituality: On the Aesthetic of Spirituality in the Film “Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms”

The Chinese film “Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms”, adapted from the 16th-century fantasy novel *Investiture of the Gods* by Ming dynasty author Xu Zhonglin, presents scenes filled with the mystical essence of Eastern mythology. Director Wu Ershan employs “spirituality” as the core of the film's visual design, adhering to the philosophical theory that "all things possess a soul." This approach infuses the film's scenes and props with vibrant emotional tension and the vitality of ancient Chinese aesthetics. Through elements such as artistic conception, totem symbols, and primitive religious philosophy, the director imbues the film's visual aesthetic with spiritual energy, conveying the ancient oriental resonance through the mysterious and spiritual culture of the Shang dynasty.

Modeling the Effect of Greenways’ Multilevel Visual Characteristics on Thermal Perception in Summer Based on Bayesian Network and Computer Vision

The aim of this study is to reveal the effects of multilevel visual characteristics of greenways on thermal perception in hot and humid regions during summer and to explore the potential of visual design to enhance psychological thermal comfort. Data on light (L), color (C), plant richness (PR), space openness (SO), scenic view (SV), thermal sensation (TS), and thermal preference (TP) were collected through questionnaires (n = 546). Computer vision technology was applied to measure the green view index (GVI), sky view index (SVI), paving index (PI), spatial enclosure (SE), and water index (WI). Using the hill climbing algorithm in R to construct a Bayesian network, model validation results indicated prediction accuracies of 0.799 for TS and 0.838 for TP. The results showed that: (1) SE, WI, and SV significantly positively influence TS, while L significantly negatively influences TS (R2 = 0.6805, p-value < 0.05); (2) WI, TS, and SV significantly positively influence TP (R2 = 0.759, p-value < 0.05).

The role of market research in pack redesign performance

The visual design of consumer packaged products is crucial for brand success, as consumers learn to recognise pack styles and look for these in buying situations. Therefore, any pack redesign is risky, as the change could interfere with consumers’ ability to find and buy the brand. Market research is often undertaken to reduce the risk of poor pack redesign decisions. Many different approaches are available, meaning marketers must select an appropriate method to increase the chance of pack redesign success. As such, our paper investigates the role of market research in packaging redesign performance. We examine data collected via an online survey with 227 marketers who were asked questions about the last pack redesign they were involved with within the previous two years. The findings challenge the assumption that conducting pack redesign research will boost its success. Notably, commonly used methods and metrics, such as focus groups or brand attitudes, are associated with less successful outcomes. In contrast, testing that identifies and suggests elements to retain in an existing pack design, that consumers link with the brand proves promising, as it is linked to more successful pack redesigns.

Visual Hermeneutics Reception Xiao Character In Genshin Impact Game

Video games are an entertainment phenomenon that is popular among today's people. Various genres of video games have emerged and have their own impression on the players. In it, video games have visual elements that have their own uniqueness and aesthetic value. These visuals can provide information, especially on the character designs in the game world. Like the visual elements in the game Genshin Impact, where the visual elements in it certainly have meaning and interpretation of each other and form the narrative in the game itself. Characters created with certain characteristics will certainly attract players' interest. This research aims to interpret the visual design contained in the creation of a character using Ricoer's hermeneutic theory. Through analysis carried out with Ricoer's visual hermeneutics perspective, we can view Xiao's character design as a work of art that is not only pleasing to the eye, but also summarizes a philosophical and emotional narrative that gives character depth in this fantasy world. Hermeneutics plays a central role in helping us understand the meaning and complexity of Xiao's character behind his visual elements.

Introduction to Critical Thinking in Educational Model for Visual Communication Design Methods: Study Case Design Methods Class for Visual Communication Design Program at Binus University, Indonesia.

Based on the Programme for International Students Assessment (PISA), where problem-solving skills and critical thinking were measured the Indonesian students ranked below standard. In a smaller scope, there were other phenomenon in the learning process of a Design Methods class, in the Visual Communication Design programme at Binus University where students struggled to perform design analysis specifically on the part where the process of classifying which data belong to each of the three analytical aspects of the Triadic, despite definitions had been given in the prior session. In The Ethics, Aristotle thought about classifying as one of the thinking processes that would help in the process of analyzing. According to the Reboot Foundation, an institution dedicated to critical thinking research in the United States of America, critical thinking is needed in the decision-making process. The study was conducted to find the influence of the addition critical thinking method in C-F-C Triadic, one of the design thinking methods, in its learning process. The method in this investigation is qualitative primary data collection based on the observation of two different classes, class A and class B. In class A, the learning process was given following the existing learning process, while in class B, an additional short critical thinking demo was given in the first session of the class. The result was elevation in the analysis performance of the students in class B.

Exploring contemporary visualization of traditional Chinese arts: Relationship between calligraphy elements and visual communication effects

This study aims to explore the relationships between calligraphy elements, visual communication effects and cultural significance in the context of contemporary visualization of traditional Chinese arts. Thematic analysis was conducted on interview responses to uncover insights into the complex dynamics at play. In-depth interviews with professionals and scholars provided firsthand perspectives on integrating calligraphy elements in visual communication, the effects of visual communication on audience perceptions and the role of cultural heritage in design practice. Comparative analysis with existing literature further enriched the understanding of the variables’ relationships and their implications for theory and practice. The findings reveal intricate relationships between calligraphy elements, visual communication effects, and cultural significance. Calligraphy elements enhance visual communication by imbuing design materials with cultural depth, authenticity and emotional resonance. Visual communication influences audience perceptions of cultural significance, shaping their attitudes and behaviors towards cultural artifacts and representations. Furthermore, cultural heritage informs design practice by providing a rich source of inspiration and meaning, guiding the creation of culturally resonant and effective communication materials. This research contributes to theoretical advancements in visual communication, cultural studies and design theory by uncovering insights into the relationships between calligraphy elements, visual communication effects, and cultural significance. The practical implications for professionals in design, marketing and cultural heritage preservation include providing practical guidance for creating culturally resonant communication materials and informing policies and initiatives that support the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.

The Impact of Visual Stimuli on Online Shopper’s Emotion: Applying S-O-R Theory in Online Fashion Retail

This study investigates the impact of visual stimuli on consumer emotions and purchase behaviour in online shopping environments, using the Pleasure, Arousal, and Dominance (P-A-D) model as a theoretical framework. It investigates how visual aspects, including website aesthetics, product photography, and design complexity, influence consumer pleasure, arousal, and dominance, ultimately influencing purchase intentions. Visually appealing and well-planned visual material makes consumers feel better, increasing engagement and the likelihood of purchasing. Furthermore, it discovers that increased arousal can lead to impulsive purchasing behaviours, yet a sense of power or control increases consumer confidence and satisfaction. The study emphasises the necessity of combining visual and experiential aspects to create immersive online buying experiences. Theoretical implications recommend a more in-depth analysis of the P-A-D model's applicability in e-commerce. In contrast, managerial implications assert visual design optimisation to improve consumer interactions and sales.

The Elephant in the Room: Expert Experiences Designing, Developing and Evaluating Data Visualizations on Large Displays

Large displays can provide the necessary space and resolution for comprehensive explorations of data visualizations. However, designing and developing visualizations for such displays pose distinct challenges. Identifying these challenges is essential for data visualization designers and developers creating data visualizations on large displays. In this study, we aim to identify the challenges designers and developers encounter when creating data visualizations for large displays. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 13 experts experienced in creating data visualizations for large displays and, through affinity diagramming, categorized the challenges. We identified several challenges in designing, developing, and evaluating data visualizations on large displays, as well as building infrastructure for large displays. Design challenges included scaling visual encodings, limited design tools, and adopting design guidelines for large displays. In the development phase, developers faced difficulties working away from large displays and dealing with insufficient tools and resources. During the evaluation phase, researchers encountered issues with individuals' unfamiliarity with large display technology, interaction interruptions by technical limitations such as cursor visibility issues, and limitations in feedback gathering. Infrastructure challenges involved environmental constraints, technical issues, and difficulties in relocating large display setups. We share the lessons learned from our study and provide future directions along with research project examples to address these challenges.

GVVST: Image-Driven Style Extraction From Graph Visualizations for Visual Style Transfer.

Incorporating automatic style extraction and transfer from existing well-designed graph visualizations can significantly alleviate the designer's workload. There are many types of graph visualizations. In this paper, our work focuses on node-link diagrams. We present a novel approach to streamline the design process of graph visualizations by automatically extracting visual styles from well-designed examples and applying them to other graphs. Our formative study identifies the key styles that designers consider when crafting visualizations, categorizing them into global and local styles. Leveraging deep learning techniques such as saliency detection models and multi-label classification models, we develop end-to-end pipelines for extracting both global and local styles. Global styles focus on aspects such as color scheme and layout, while local styles are concerned with the finer details of node and edge representations. Through a user study and evaluation experiment, we demonstrate the efficacy and time-saving benefits of our method, highlighting its potential to enhance the graph visualization design process.

The influence of visual aesthetic design and cross-cultural regions on virtual item purchase intentions in the genshin impact game

The influence of visual aesthetic design and cross-cultural regions on virtual item purchase intentions in the genshin impact game

Design and Art Tools Formation of Visual Context in Modern Anthropogenic Environment

The purpose of the article is to establish the design and artistic means of forming the cultural-artistic context of modern anthropogenic space. The research methodology involved the use of synthesis and analysis methods with the involvement of interdisciplinary connections (architecture, art history, cultural studies, psychology, design), which made it possible to develop the available theoretical and practical experience on the subject of the article; the method of theoretical generalisation was used to formulate conclusions regarding the outlined problem. The scientific novelty of the article lies in the fact that it actualises the issue of the role of the visual and plastic language of design in the formation of the communicative and cultural content of the anthropogenic environment. Conclusions. With the change of socio-cultural, political and economic conditions, people's requirements for their environment also change. Design and artistic techniques make it possible to dynamically adjust the visual context of the space, to modernise it. The visual plastic design language of the modern anthropogenic environment is presented in artistically decorated stationary and moving objects, their parts, which add character and individuality to it, cause certain emotions in people who interact with such a space. The presence of murals, graffiti, street stencils, sticker art, aerosol art, posters, photo wallpapers, knitted graffiti, mosaics, LED art, media facades, sculptures, video mapping contributes to the formation of a new visual context of the environment, 3D images. Unsystematic, chaotic formation of the visual context of the space can disrupt its artistic integrity. It is worth considering the location of the object, its role in the general structure of the environment, architectural, historical or ethnic context.

Research on the Influencing Factors of Art Intervention in the Environmental Graphics of Rural Cultural Tourism Space

In the development of rural revitalization, the art intervention in rural cultural tourism has become a hot topic recently. With the advent of the new media era, it is particularly important to study the factors that affect the artistic value of environmental graphic design. This study proposes six dimensions of environmental graphic design for rural cultural tourism through literature analysis and experience summary, which are refined into 21 impact indicators. It is based on the case of the environmental graphic publicity of cultural tourism in Chongqing Nanshan Cattle Village, using the SBE beauty evaluation method to evaluate the influencing factors, while using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to measure each indicator. The consistency of the two evaluation methods verifies the feasibility of the influencing factors, and this study found the influence of visuality, cultural nature, artistic nature, interactivity, spatiality, and communicativeness on aesthetic value. Moreover, the core of environmental graphic design lies in information transmission, in which artistic nature occupies an important position, while cultural nature, although it has a relatively small weight in aesthetic value, cannot be ignored in social media communication. In terms of visual design, a reasonable layout of equipment significantly enhances visual appeal, while spatial adaptability is considered a key factor. This paper emphasizes the integration of art principles into design to promote sustainable development, while also pointing out that the identification of rural cultural symbols can enhance visitors’ cultural experience. In terms of interactivity, it is crucial to encourage visitors to actively participate and share their experiences, while communication emphasizes the important impact of exposure to rural scenes on brand communication. This research provides systematic theoretical support and practical guidance for the environmental graphic design of rural cultural tourism.

Evaluating the impact of augmented reality on visual communication design education: Enhancing student motivation, achievement, interest, and engagement

Evaluating the impact of augmented reality on visual communication design education: Enhancing student motivation, achievement, interest, and engagement

Exploring Emotional Responses of Design Styles using Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Emotion is a huge factor in creating immersive experience when playing a video game. It can be stimulated by visual design elements. In particular, different levels of realism have an effect over the human feelings. Referred to as the Design Style, it is a spectrum of mimicking the real world ranging from Abstract to Realistic. Between them is known as Stylized Design. While there have been many studies to understand the relationship between Design Styles and emotions, their experimental observations lack quantitative analysis and prone to misinterpretation. Electroencephalogram (EEG) technologies have made the possibilities to explore emotional responses directly from the brain. This research aims to understand the relationship between Design Styles and the emotional responses of the player. To analyse design styles for correlation with emotions, a working framework for machine learning classification using EEG is used. Subjects played video games of similar gameplay but of two different Design Styles – each game represents each end of the Design Styles spectrum. Analysis of the EEG data revealed distinction of emotional activity between Abstract and Realistic games. Higher intensity, larger data distribution, and abruptness of change in emotions are all associated with Abstract Design. Realism, on the other hand, is associated with a more sustained emotional state and therefore a good choice for maintaining a steady mood.

Problem-driven visualization design of health and pollution big data

We present the design of a big data visualization application aimed at investigating the potential relationships between air pollution and perinatal health. We integrated data from singleton pregnancies in Brazil over a seven-year period and records of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels. Our methodology combines Design by Immersion and co-design, engaging specialists from various domains in problem-driven visualization design. The interactive visualization allows exploratory queries and comparative analyses based on medical birth certificate data restructured according to estimated conception dates. The collaboration of various domain experts was essential for leveraging complex data for an informed decision-making visualization.