{'fraction_non_alphanumeric': 0.017634854771784232, 'fraction_numerical': 0.0, 'mean_word_length': 5.701388888888889, 'pattern_counts': {'":': 0, '<': 0, '<?xml version=': 0, '>': 0, 'https://': 0, 'lorem ipsum': 0, 'www.': 0, 'xml': 0}, 'pii_count': 0, 'substrings_counts': 0, 'word_list_counts': {'cursed_substrings.json': 0, 'profanity_word_list.json': 0, 'sexual_word_list.json': 0, 'zh_pornsignals.json': 0}}
On the role of design in information visualization

Every information visualization developer is engaged in a complex process of design – balancing the three requirements of utility, soundness and attractiveness within given constraints. This paper investigates the oft-overlooked requirement of attractiveness (or ‘aesthetics’) in visualization, and, in doing so, discusses a wider role for the design process which emphasizes the benefits of disseminating design rationale. In presenting a model of three potential roles for design in information visualization, we suggest that the field would benefit from encompassing a broader scope that includes visualizations produced as part of commercial practice or artistic exploration. We conclude with a discussion on the practical consequences to the academic community of adopting our model – consequences that will require a paradigm shift in the way we value, teach and conduct information visualization research.