A framework for analyzing and designing diagrams and graphics

Abstract

A systematic method is presented that describes comprehensively the very broad design space of visualizations and the interrelationships between their constituents. The framework offered here includes three representational modes and fifteen visual encodings principles as the proposed universal building blocks of all types of diagrams and information graphics. The framework provides: 1. A vocabulary and a method for thoroughly analyzing the full spectrum of visual representations of information. 2. A mechanism for exploring previously unexploited combinations of visual encoding principles for representing information. 3. A potential tool for creating alternative representations for any given visualization or data set.