Process and Pitfalls in Writing Information Visualization Research Papers

  • Authors:
  • Tamara Munzner

  • Affiliations:
  • Department of Computer Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada V6T 1Z4

  • Venue:
  • Information Visualization
  • Year:
  • 2008

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Abstract

The goal of this chapter is to help authors recognize and avoid a set of pitfalls that recur in many rejected information visualization papers, using a chronological model of the research process. Selecting a target paper type in the initial stage can avert an inappropriate choice of validation methods. Pitfalls involving the design of a visual encoding may occur during the middle stages of a project. In a later stage when the bulk of the research is finished and the paper writeup begins, the possible pitfalls are strategic choices for the content and structure of the paper as a whole, tactical problems localized to specific sections, and unconvincing ways to present the results. Final-stage pitfalls of writing style can be checked after a full paper draft exists, and the last set of problems pertain to submission.