Diagrammatic thinking and audience reading of COVID-19 data visualisations: A UK case study

Abstract

This article examines whether, how, and to what extent eighteen UK audience participants developed diagrammatic thinking while reading eleven COVID-19 data visualisations published by UK newspapers. Despite data visualisations being a prominent feature in COVID-19 news coverage, audience perception of data visualisations is a relatively new field of study. This study reveals the presence of Stuart Hall’s three types of reading (dominant, opposition or negotiated reading) in the participants’ reading, with the prominent role played by their reflections and the influence cast by their levels of data literacy and familiarity with terminologies. As an experience of reflection and reflexivity, reading data visualisations prompted the participants to rethink the pandemic-related issues posed in data visualisations and reflect on their personal experiences and views. Their reflections confirmed or developed their understanding of these issues or led them to reject the message they perceived. This process suggests their diagrammatic thinking is in practice.