Using the power of associations: BrainDump - a revised nature inspired visual interface for sensemaking

  • Authors:
  • Marius Brade;Christian Brändel;Rainer Groh

  • Affiliations:
  • Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany;Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany;Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany

  • Venue:
  • Proceedings of the International Working Conference on Advanced Visual Interfaces
  • Year:
  • 2012

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Abstract

Creative work -- especially in business -- is often connected to highly complex data. While current software tools support manifold areas in working with complex data, they are very limited to support creative work. Little research has been done on what kinds of representations are supporting the externalization of mental efforts while making sense of new information. It is especially very challenging to provide appropriate representations for abstract associations. In this paper a new interactive visualization in form of a revised prototype based on a user test of a previous version [2], [3] is proposed. Knowledge workers are enabled to use a highly flexible visual map to represent and refine their current understanding of a task. Derived from experiments with natural physical substances a metaphor based on fluids, cell structure and soap bubbles is used. This kind of visualization allows the user to pin down associations and to clarify anticipations about relations visually.