Visualizing the Five Senses

Course Number: H79. 2720
Course Type: Lecture
Instructor(s): Nisselson
Credits: 4

What can we visually communicate about the data that our senses collect? In this class we look at information visualization as used in scientific representation. We create visualizations of the data that triggers our five senses (sight, sound, touch, smell, taste). In the process, we look at each of the canonical phases of information visualization: acquire, parse, filter, mine, represent, refine, and interact. The projects cover the range of modes of scientific visualization: photography, diagrams, illustrations, and models.  By identifying the constraints of the data set and the insight to be communicated, students learn to develop the appropriate and creative methods for their visualizations.  The class has bi-weekly assignments in which students use the Processing environment to present 5 data sets. Students learn to identify one question to be answered about the data and how to “sketch” using processing. One assignment is a fully developed one for a final project, incorporating scientific data.   We provide data sets or tools for collecting the data as starting points for each assignment. Basic programming skills are required.  During the semester, we look at and read about great moments in scientific visualization whose range includes the double helix model, bubble chambers, and the Eames’ powers of 10. Readings, films, and images hone in on representations of sense material.