Features of the visual way of presenting information. Advantages of a visual form of presenting information

This article was written by a representative of DevExpress and published on a blog on HabraHabr.

Medical researchers have found that if the instructions for a medicine contain only text, a person absorbs only 70% of the information from it. If you add pictures to the instructions, the person will already understand 95%.

It is obvious that humans are predisposed to process visual information. Besides being great for processing by our brains, data visualization has several benefits:

Focus on different aspects of data

Using graphs, you can easily draw the reader's attention to the red indicators.

Analysis of a large data set with a complex structure
Reducing a person’s information overload and maintaining their attention
Unambiguity and clarity of output data
Highlighting connections and relationships contained in information

Important data can be easily seen on the graph.

Aesthetic appeal

Aesthetically attractive graphs make data presentation impressive and memorable.

Edward Tufte, author of some of the best books on visualization, describes it as a tool for displaying data; encouraging the viewer to think about the essence, not the methodology; avoiding distorting what the data has to say; displaying many numbers on small space; showing a large set of data as a coherent and unified whole; encouraging the viewer to compare pieces of data; serving fairly clear purposes: description, research, ordering or decoration ().

How to use data visualization correctly?

The success of visualization directly depends on the correctness of its application, namely on the choice of the type of graph, its correct use and design.

60% of the success of visualization depends on the choice of the type of graph, 30% on its correct use and 10% on its correct design.

Correct graph type

A graph allows you to express the idea conveyed by the data most fully and accurately, so it is very important to choose the appropriate type of diagram. The choice can be made using the following algorithm:

Visualization goals- this is the implementation of the main idea of information, this is what the selected data needs to be shown for, what effect needs to be achieved - identifying relationships in the information, showing the distribution of data, composition or comparison of data.

The first row shows graphs with the purpose of showing the relationships in the data and the distribution of the data, and the second row has the purpose of showing the composition and comparison of the data.

Relationships in data- this is how they depend on each other, the connection between them. Using relationships, you can identify the presence or absence of dependencies between variables. If the main idea of the information contains the phrases “refers to”, “decreases/increases at”, then you should strive to show exactly the relationships in the data.
The distribution of data is how it is arranged relative to something, how many objects fall into certain sequential areas of numerical values. The main idea will contain the phrases “in the range from x to y”, “concentration”, “frequency”, “distribution”.

Data Composition- combining data in order to analyze the overall picture as a whole, comparing components that make up a percentage of a certain whole. Key phrases for composition are “made up x%”, “share”, “percentage of the whole”.

Data comparison - combining data in order to compare certain indicators, identifying how objects relate to each other. It is also a comparison of components that change over time. Key phrases for ideas when comparing are “more than/less than,” “equal to,” “changes,” “increases/decreases.”

After defining the purpose of the visualization, you need to determine the data type. They can be very heterogeneous in their type and structure, but in the simplest case they distinguish between continuous numerical and temporal data, discrete data, geographical and logical data. Continuous numerical data contains information about the dependence of one numerical value on another, for example, graphs of functions such as y=2x. Continuous time contains data about events that occur over a period of time, like a graph of temperature measured every day. Discrete data may contain dependencies of categorical quantities, for example, a graph of the number of sales of goods in different stores. Geographic data contains various information related to location, geology and other geographical indicators, a prime example is the usual geographic map. Logical data shows the logical arrangement of components relative to each other, e.g. family tree families.

Graphs of continuous numerical and temporal data, discrete data, geographic and logical data.

Depending on the goal and data, you can choose the most suitable schedule for them. It is best to avoid variety for the sake of variety and choose according to the principle “the simpler the better.” Use specific types of charts only for specific data; in other cases, the most common charts are well suited:

linear
with areas
columns and histograms (bar)
pie chart (pie, donut)
polar chart (radar)
scatter plot (scatter, bubble)
maps
trees (tree, mental map, tree map)
time diagrams (time line, gantt, waterfall).

Line charts, area graphs and histograms can contain several values in one argument for one category, which can be either absolute (then the prefix stacked is added to these types of graphs) or relative (full stacked).

Graph with stacked values and with full stacked

When choosing a suitable graph, you can be guided by the following table, compiled on the basis of this diagram and:

Proper Use of a Graph

It is important not only to choose the right chart type, but also to use it correctly:

No need to overload your schedule big amount information. The optimal number of different types of data and categories is no more than 4-5, otherwise it is more advisable to divide such a diagram into several pieces.

Such a graph can be compared to spaghetti and is better divided into several diagrams.

Select the correct scale and scale for the graph. For histograms and area graphs, it is preferable to start the value scale from zero. Try not to use inverted scales - this very often misleads the viewer regarding the data.

An incorrect scale negatively affects the perception of data. In the first case, the scale is selected incorrectly; in the second, the scale is inverted.

For pie charts and graphs that show a percentage of a total share, the sum of the values should always add up to 100%.
For better perception It is better to organize the data on the axis - either by value, or alphabetically, or by logical meaning.

Correct design of the schedule

Nothing is more pleasing to the eye than well-designed graphs, and nothing spoils charts more than the presence of graphical “garbage.” Basic principles of design:

use similar palettes, do not bright colors, and try to limit yourself to a set of six pieces
auxiliary and secondary lines should be simple and not conspicuous

Auxiliary lines on a graph should not distract attention from the main idea of the data.

where possible, use only horizontal axes labels;
For area graphs, it is preferable to use a color with transparency;
Use a different color for each category on the graph.

conclusions

Visualization- a powerful tool for conveying thoughts and ideas to the end consumer, an assistant for the perception and analysis of data. But like all tools, it must be used in its own time and place. Otherwise, information may be perceived slowly or even incorrectly.

The graphs show the same data, the main visualization errors are shown on the left, and they are corrected on the right.

When used skillfully, data visualization can make material impressive, interesting, and memorable.

The concept itself is quite multifaceted; there are several definitions depending on what field of activity we are talking about. The purpose of visualization is that the data must come from something abstract or at least not immediately obvious. Visualization of objects excludes photography and this transformation from invisible to visible.

Data visualization

Information visualization is the process of representing abstract business or scientific data in the form of images that can help in understanding the meaning of the data. What is information visualization? This concept can be defined as the comparison of discrete data and its visual representation. This definition does not cover all aspects of information visualization, such as static, dynamic (animation) and the most relevant today, interactive visualization. Apart from the differences between interactive visualization and animation, the most useful categorization is based on scientific visualization, which is usually carried out using specialized software. Visibility plays an important role in the educational sphere. This is very useful when it comes to teaching topics that are difficult to imagine without specific examples, for example, the structure of atoms, which are too small to be studied without expensive and difficult to use scientific equipment. Visualization allows you to penetrate into any world and imagine what is seemingly impossible to imagine.

3D visualization

The software helps designers and digital marketers create 3D visual representations of a product, project, or virtual prototypes. Visualization provides developers with tools that can enhance advanced Visualization with visual imagery is effective way communication. Visual representation is one of the best ways communications with potential clients. Effective Communication allows you to spend more time improving your projects and productive interactions. 3D visualization is a technique for creating 3D images, diagrams, or animations.

Using Visualization in Science

Today, visualization has an ever-expanding range of applications in science, education, engineering, interactive multimedia, medicine, and many others. Visualization has also found its application in the field of computer graphics, probably one of the most important events computer world. The development of animation also contributes to the advancement of visualization. Using visualization to present information is not a new phenomenon. It has been used in maps and scientific drawings for over a thousand years. Computer graphics have been used to study scientific problems from the very beginning. Most people are familiar with digital animation, such as the presentation of meteorological data during television weather reports. The TV also offers a version of scientific visualization when it shows images drawn using computer programs and animated reconstructions of roads or airplane crashes. Some of the most interesting examples computer-generated images include images of real spacecraft in action, in the void far beyond Earth or on other planets. Dynamic forms of visualization, such as educational animations or graphics, have the potential to enhance learning as visualization systems change over time.

The key to achieving your goals

What is an important tool personal development. Just as motivating affirmations can help you focus on achieving your goals, so too can using visualization or mental imagery. Although visualization techniques in this sense have become very popular as a means of personal development since the late seventies and early eighties, people have been using mental imagery to achieve their desires since ancient times.

Creative tool

What is visualization? It is the use of imagination to create mental images of what we want in our lives. Together with focus and emotions, it becomes a powerful creative tool that helps in achieving the desired goal. At correct use this can lead to self-improvement, good health and various achievements, such as in your career. In sports, mental imagery as a visualization tool is often used by athletes to improve their skills. Using visualization as a technique consistently results in much better performance and results. This is also true in business and in life.

How it works?

Visualization, or imagination, works on a physiological level. Neural connections that occur in the brain, in other words, thoughts, can stimulate nervous system just like a real event. This kind of “rehearsal,” or running through certain events in the head, creates neural oscillations that cause the muscles to do what they are asked to do. Take, for example, the same athletes. During sports competitions, it is important not only to have exceptional physical skills, but also to have a clear understanding of the game and a certain psychological and emotional attitude. To be more effective, like any other skill, imagination needs to be trained regularly. Without what is visualization impossible? Lessons in developing imagination include important elements, namely mental images of relaxation, realism and systematicity.

When to use visualization?

Visual observation of the successful results of your activities can be carried out for absolutely any reason. Many people use visualization to bring their goals to life. Many athletes, actors and singers achieve something first in their minds, and then only in reality. This helps focus and eliminates some preliminary fears and doubts. This is a kind of warm-up or rehearsal that can be done before an important and exciting event. Visualization is a great preparation tool that consistently leads to increased levels of productivity.

How is the visualization process carried out?

You can go somewhere quiet and private where you won't be disturbed, close your eyes and think about a goal, attitude, behavior or skill you want to acquire. Take a few deep breaths and relax. Try to visualize the object or situation as clearly and in as much detail as possible. Emotions and feelings also play a big role in this; try to feel what you want more than anything else. You should practice the exercise at least twice a day for about 10 minutes each time and persist until you achieve success. It is also important to support good mood throughout the entire process.

Benefits of Visualization

Systematic visualization of the model of your desire will help you better navigate the path to achieving your goals, will inspire and motivate, will improve your mood with the help of positive, pleasant images and relieve stress. negative emotions. In life and in work, success begins with a goal. This could be weight loss, a promotion, getting rid of bad habits, Start own business. Big or small goals provide important guidance. They are like a compass - they help you move in in the right direction. Visualization was described by Aristotle more than 2000 years ago. Great thinker of his time described this process in these words: “Firstly, there must be a definite, clear, practical ideal, goal or task. Secondly, there are the necessary means to achieve them: wisdom, money, means and methods. Thirdly, the most The main thing is to learn to manage all the necessary means to achieve the desired result."

Seeing is believing

Usually it goes like this: I won’t believe it until I see it. Before you believe that a goal is achievable, you first need to have a visual representation of it. The technique of creating a mental image of a future event makes it possible to imagine the desired results and feel the joy of achieving them. When this happens, a person becomes motivated and becomes willing to achieve his goal.
It is worth remembering that this is not a clever trick, not just dreams and hopes for the future. Rather, visualization is a well-developed efficiency technique used by successful people in a variety of areas. Research shows that visualization improves athletic performance by improving motivation, coordination, and concentration. It also helps in relaxation and can reduce fear and anxiety.

Why does visualization work?

Research using brain imaging studies suggests that neurons in the brain, those electrically excitable cells that carry information, interpret images as equivalent to real-life actions. The brain generates an impulse, this creates new neural pathways - clusters of cells in our brain that work together to recreate memories or behavioral patterns. All this happens without physical activity, but in this way the brain seems to program itself for success. A huge advantage of the power of visualization is that it is accessible to absolutely all people.

The unbreakable connection between mind and body

Visualization is a mental practice. With its help, the natural powers of the mind are powerfully activated. We can use the power of the mind to become successful in all areas of our lives. Psychological techniques teach us how to use our imagination to imagine specific things we want in our lives. The wonderful thing is that our thoughts influence our reality.

Scientists have proven that we use only 10% of the total potential of our brain, and this is at best. Is it possible to learn to use our natural abilities more effectively? Visualization systems represent the inextricable biological connections between mind and body, and the connection between mind and reality. If we learn to use imagination and visualization in the right way, it can be an extremely powerful tool for getting what we want in our lives. It is important to learn to use the power of our mind together with creative approach, which helps to discover and develop hidden talents and capabilities.

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FEATURES OF THE VISUAL METHOD OF PRESENTING INFORMATION

Vashunina I.V.

The conclusions made in the article about the features visual way The presentation of information is based on the results of an experimental study of the perception of creolized texts (texts with illustrations). The study found that there is a possibility visual representation verbally nominated qualities and determining the static probability of visualizing a particular quality through the use of certain image parameters ( color range, geometric shapes, arrangement of image elements). The idea that concepts can be represented visually is not new. The possibility of visualizing abstract concepts was suggested by A. Paivio. Based on the material of the Russian language, this idea was developed in the works of V.F. Petrenko. Recognition of the existence of semantics of color and geometric shape is impossible without recognition of the visualizability of a wide variety of concepts. Based on the results of our research, we want to note some features of the visual method of presenting information and its differences from the verbal method.

Analysis of experimental data allowed us to make the most general conclusion about the impossibility of transmitting the same content is absolutely identical different ways verbal and visual. Information presented verbally cannot, in principle, be identical to information presented visually (an exception would probably be the description of graphs and diagrams). And this is explained not only by the limitations imposed by the capabilities of the form. Much more important are the differences in content. When perceiving, as E.S. writes. Kubryakov, “initially, the mental structure of what is perceived is formed (usually, as it seems, it is richer than the concept, since it is associated with a rich network of tactile sensations perceived from the outside, with the representation of the visual appearance of the object, its physical characteristics of size, location, shape, smell, and so on)” . In the course of “conditioning”, “a certain reduction of the existing image of a thing is observed, the choice of that feature or features that can represent the object as a whole.” That is, the process of symbolizing an image is a process of its reduction. Leaving aside the question of how exactly the characteristics relevant to a given category of objects and included in the image are determined, we only note that in many cases neither color nor spatial arrangement (and sometimes geometric shape) are not included in the image. That is, these signs are subject to reduction. Naturally, along with them, the content that they can carry disappears.

Let's look at some examples. As was established during the research process, the image of a round shape actualizes not only the concept of “round”, but also partly (with varying probability) the concepts of “heavy”, “soft”, “flaccid”. The conceptual complex that arises in this case “rounded, somewhat heavy, somewhat soft, somewhat sluggish” is difficult to verbalize (as evidenced by the expression “somewhat...”, which is very conditional and approximately conveys the content of the image). And obviously the content of this image will be different from the content of the word “rounded”. Let us consider the image evoked in consciousness orange. This color is associated with fire, heat, sunset, south, oranges and is felt as warm, cheerful, dry, lively, restless, active, joyful, radiating, loud, fresh, beautiful, clean, young. The verbal expression of this conceptual complex is rather conventional. The sensation of color is synthetic, that is, a fusion of the listed verbal characteristics, which is easy to check using simple experiment. It is enough to look at any painted space, and the color will evoke a holistic sensation, which can then be decomposed into components and verbalized only consciously. We consider such a verbal characteristic to be the content of a color stimulus, although in fact its content is that same primary holistic sensation. “The “conditionalization” of the world leads to a more strict fixation of certain ideas in the human mind,” however, with verbalization, the primary image will be subject to reduction.

During the experiment, the visualization capabilities of 50 qualities were established, and in no case was a clear correspondence between “quality and visual image parameter” identified. Even if a verbally designated quality has a single variant of visual representation in 100% of cases, the content of the corresponding image parameter turns out to be broader. For example, the definition of “pale” is 100% visualized by using pale tones in the image. However, the visual parameter “pale” also has a content component “light”, which is absent in the word “pale”. That is, verbalizing this visual feature as “pale” will encode only part of its meaning. Since we investigated the possibilities of visual representation of characteristics that are completely different in terms of content, it can hardly be assumed that other concepts will have fundamentally different visualization capabilities.

In addition, units of language are divided into certain parts of speech (nouns, adjectives, verbs), “which, when used, activate different structures of consciousness and evoke in us different associations, impressions, images, pictures, scenes, etc.: different ideas and different types representations." The division of verbalized components of meaning into parts of speech, that is, into objects, actions and signs is due to the inevitability of the appearance of morphological categories in verbal speech. For characterization, for example, orange color The distinction “fire burns burning” is not at all important. As noted by E.S. Kubryakov, the same entities can be encoded by different parts of speech. However, behind them there will be somewhat different ideas: for example, the idea of dynamism is associated with the use of verbal predicates, and the idea of staticity is associated with the use of non-verbal predicates. This content complements the content of the color stimulus, which itself can create a feeling of dynamism or staticness depending on its characteristics (hue, saturation, lightness). Thus, during verbalization, on the one hand, there is a reduction of visual information (inevitable during the process of symbolization), and on the other hand, its addition due to the specific characteristics of verbal units (also inevitable due to the division of words into parts of speech).

The absence of a one-to-one correspondence between verbal and visual units confirms the assumption of different divisions of reality in the process of processing verbal and visual information. This means, on the one hand, that the result of processing will be units and structures that differ in content, and on the other hand, that the existence of verbal and visual units of identical content is impossible.

When processing visual information, the unit is an object or, in its absence, a separate parameter, for example, color or shape. When highlighting objects in the image as content, we perceive a synthesis of the content of the real object of reality depicted in the picture, the sensation of color and the sensation of form. It is the synthesis of these contents, for the creation of which the relationship of the components is important, and not the individual values of the object, color and shape. When looking at an image, we perceive the whole picture, which leads to the creation of complex synthetic units. The exact content of these units is difficult to verbalize. Everyone is familiar with the situation when, when trying to describe images, a person is faced with a feeling that the verbal language is insufficient and inaccurate, that something is missing or formulated incorrectly. We believe that the reason for this is the different division of reality during the action of the mechanisms of processing verbal and visual information, which does not allow us to “translate” the visual “language” into verbal in an absolutely identical way.

All of the above opens up a new approach to the problem of illustrating verbal texts. It highlights four aspects.

Firstly, illustrating a verbal text can be considered as an attempt to restore the components of the image of a situation that has undergone inevitable reduction in the process of verbalization, and to remove from this image the content introduced through the use of linguistic units. We use the word “attempt” because the author of the illustration cannot accurately imagine what image of the situation existed in the mind of the author of the verbal text (it is assumed that these are different people). The image of the situation is enriched by restoring formal characteristics (color, shape, spatial arrangement of elements) with all the accompanying impact on recipients. Obviously, after reading about a man in a red shirt, it is impossible to say with certainty whether the author’s image included the semantics of color (solemn red, cheerful red, bloody red, flaming red), which then disappeared during verbalization, or whether the author was operating from the very beginning verbal units. The illustrator solves this issue himself, relying on the content and conceptual information of the verbal text. E.S. Kubryakova notes: “The difference in linguistic forms in conveying similar content indicates that this content itself is represented with different nuances, and ultimately excites different images of the signified when naming. Each linguistic sign and/or expression leaves its mark on the ideas it excites.” Therefore, “language not only reflects or displays reality, as we are accustomed to think of it: to a large extent, it itself structures it, because it discretizes everything that exists, it itself creates it.” The image “erases” the imprint of the use of linguistic means from the image of the situation, somewhat “erodes” the structure created by the language, “reviving” the figurative principle underlying the use of words, thus satisfying the desire of individuals to return meanings in their consciousness “to the sensual objectivity of the world.” At the same time, new images may appear in the minds of recipients, since “in a person’s mind, many fragments of reality are represented by images, and much can come into the field of view and be seen (and understood) without having a special designation for it.” Concepts and ideas are independent of language, some images do not have verbal designations (or these designations are imprecise, the feeling is characterized by vagueness and ambiguity (which may correspond, for example, to the semantics of color rather than words), these features of the functioning of consciousness lead to the fact that part images can be most fully represented visually rather than verbally. If the illustrator distorts the author’s intention (intentionally or not), then the illustration “leads” recipients away from understanding the meaning of the verbal text inherent in it by the author, and contributes to the creation of a new meaning, to a certain extent different from the original one. In the vast majority of cases, this is exactly what happens, since the illustrator practically cannot get rid of the subjectivity of his perception.

Secondly, the illustration unifies the visual images that arise in the minds of recipients when perceiving a verbal text. E.S. Kubryakova notes: “Imaginative representations are subjective, not of a conventional nature, and even when there is a real referent for them, in consciousness different people they may have different representations.” The validity of this statement is confirmed by the reaction of viewers to illustrations of famous literary works and in film adaptations: the effect of disappointed expectations often appears when the visual embodiment does not correspond to the ideas of the recipients. Illustrating a text unfamiliar to recipients should lead to the formation of visual images proposed by the artist.

Thirdly (and this is especially important), illustration is essentially an attempt to restructure the image of the content of a verbal text. The use of image parameters that have three-dimensional content (for example, a major or minor color scheme) and, therefore, a large impact potential, significantly enhances the effect of the perception of verbal text. Therefore, the issue of illustrating verbal texts should be considered from the point of view of the advisability of changing their content.

Fourthly, we must take into account the fact that the creation of texts for mass communication has pragmatic goals. IN social psychology There are two ways to change people's attitudes: central and peripheral. The central path is persuasion, and the peripheral path is associating the issue or object of the attitude with positive or negative signs. And if the purpose of creating a verbal text is to change the attitudes of recipients along the central path, then illustration is one of the options for the peripheral path, carried out in conditions of non-criticism on the part of the recipients. In the case when the information obtained from the illustration (and having an impact that is not realized by the recipients) significantly diverges (or contradicts) the content of the verbal text, there is every reason to assume an attempt to manipulate the perception of information on the part of the creators of the CT.

Literature

creolized text information visualization

1. Vashunina I.V. The interaction of visual and verbal components in the perception of creolized text. Nizhny Novgorod, 2007.

2. Vygotsky L.S. Psychology of art. M., 1987.

3. Kubryakova E.S. and etc. Brief dictionary cognitive terms. M., 1996.

4. Kubryakova E.S. Language and knowledge. Towards acquiring knowledge of language: parts of speech from a cognitive perspective. The role of language in understanding the world. M., 2004.

5. Leontyev A.N. Activity. Consciousness. Personality. M., 1975.

6. Tarasov E.F. The role of emotional and aesthetic organization of speech messages in mass communication // Emotional impact of mass communication. M., 1978..

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