Day: May 14, 2012

TayViz – The bi-monthly meeting of the Tayside and Fife network for data visualisation

Talks:

Information Visualization Research in the SACHI group

Speaker: Aaron Quigley

Abstract:

Aaron will provide a quick overview of the incipient InfoViz research and prospects of the SACHI group.

A few examples of visualisation in computational systems biology of anti-inflammatory and anticancer drug actions

Speaker: Alexey Goltsov

Abstract:

Visualization is a key aspect in computational systems biology to analyse results of in silico modelling, generate and test hypothesises.  Some examples of visualisation in computational systems biology of cellular response to drug intervention are discussed. First, the developed method of the complex dynamics visualisation of enzyme kinetics is discussed and illustrated with the dynamic visualisation of cyclooxygenase enzyme function and its inhibition by anti-inflammatory drug, aspirin. Second, 3D dynamic visualisation of thrombosis in blood vessel is demonstrated based on the developed agent-based model of blood clotting and anticoagulation drug effect. Third, visualisation in computational systems biology of cancer are discussed and illustrated with the visualisation methods of the determination of promising drug targets and analysis of changing sensitivity of tumor to anticancer therapy at different oncogenic mutations.

FatFonts: Combining the Symbolic and Visual Aspects of Numbers

Speaker: Miguel Nacenta

Abstract:

In this talk I present a new technique for visualisation that makes use of typography. FatFonts is a technique for visualizing quantitative data that bridges the gap betweennumeric and visual representations. FatFonts are based onArabic numerals but, unlike regular numeric typefaces, theamount of ink (dark pixels) used for each digit is propor-tional to its quantitative value. This enables accurate read-ing of the numerical data while preserving an overall visual context. During the talk, I discuss the challenges of this approach, it’s possible uses, and how to use it in visualizations.

Bio:

Miguel Nacenta is a Lecturer in the School of Computer Science. He is interested in new interaction form factors (e.g., tabletops, multi-touch, multi-display environments), perception, and information visualisation.

Event details

  • When: 15th May 2012 18:30 - 20:30
  • Where: Cole 1.33a
  • Format: Talk

Helen Purchase on An Exploration of Interface Visual Aesthetics

Speaker: Helen Purchase, University of Glasgow
Title: An Exploration of Interface Visual Aesthetics
Abstract:
The visual design of an interface is not merely an ‘add-on’ to the functionality provided by a system: it is well-known that it can affect user preference, engagement and motivation, but does it have any effect on user performance? Can the efficiency or effectiveness of a system be improved by its visual design? This seminar will report on experiments that investigate whether any such effect can be quantified and tested. Key to this question is the definition of an unambiguous, quantifiable characterisation of an interface’s ‘visual aesthetic’: ways in which this could be determined will be discussed.

About Helen:
Dr Helen Purchase is Senior Lecturer in the School of Computing Science at the University of Glasgow. She has worked in the area of empirical studies of graph layout for several years, and also has research interests in visual aesthetics, task-based empirical design, collaborative learning in higher education, and sketch tools for design. She is currently writing a book on empirical methods for HCI research.

Event details

  • When: 15th May 2012 13:00 - 14:00
  • Where: Cole 1.33a
  • Format: Seminar