1. 25227 Dimensions of Visualization: Time, Experience, and Information
2. 25228 3D Visualization in the World Wide Web
3. 25229 Independent Research: Implementation of Strategies of Visualization

• Target group: 2nd year Mlab + TKK students, masters level
• Credits: 1-8
• Cerm: Fall 01 - Spring 02
• Teachers: Lily Diaz, Henrik Haggren, Janne Pietarila
• Preliminary dates: starting in the middle of the fall
• Max: 14
• Course language: English, Finnish

Background

• Visualization is the assimilation of data into an image by the human visual system. Modern scientific visualization makes use of computer graphics to render an image from data that otherwise would not be accessible through normal perception. Because the use of visualization can unequivocally reveal the connection between representation and knowledge interpretation, this is a frontier territory for both the Arts and the Sciences. It can be argued that it is here where much of the actual collaboration between the artist/designer and the scientists unfolds.
• The project intends to provide instruction in the area of data acquisition strategies that can be used to create models, instruments and artifacts for visualization.
• The course seeks to find solutions to problems such as the fact that many times, the data that the artist and the designer needs to create visualizations is not in the format that s/he needs it.
• Another issue is that one of presentation and verification of results. How does one define the boundaries of a model, and how does one ensure that the final outcome is a direct correspondence of the objectives outlined from the beginning? How, for example, do you visualize and effectively represent human emotions, such as fear?
• Then, there are the issues regarding the use of 3D models in networked environments. How do you create a 3D model that can be effectively distributed and/or used through the network?
• Lastly, there is the gap that exists between the visualizations created by artists, and those created for scientific purposes. If we look at artworks as systems of meaning, can devise methods that allow artists and designers to create more robust models? What strategies can scientists use to create artifacts that communicate better?

Objectives

• Provide students working with digital media with data-acquisition tools, methods, and skills that can be used to create better models and prototypes.
• Provide students working with data-acquisition tools with methods and skills that can be used to create better communication products.
• Bridge the gap that exists between science-oriented visualizations and those that are created by artists and designers.

Deliverables

• A framework that allows the students to develop their own strategies for gathering data. This framework consists of the following components:
• A vocabulary that students can employ to create their own narrative approach, as well as define an area of study that they seek to develop.
• Theoretical knowledge in the form of lectures, readings, and discussions.
• Applied knowledge, in the form of workshops, tutored instruction, and participation in other courses in the lab.
• Tools that assist the students in pre-visualizing and creating the models that they seek to design.
• Instruction for creating 3D content that can be displayed, accessed, and interacted with through the network.

Coursework components

A seminar, a course, an independent production and research.

1. 25227 Dimensions of Visualization: Time, Experience, and Information (1 credit seminar )

Preliminary dates: Fri 26.10., 9.11. (10-16)
This seminar has the following components:
1. One-day seminar
2. Independent research pursued by the student
3. Half-day presentation
Introductory session is a one-day seminar with presenters from all institutions involved. During this session, students will be introduced to key topics of relevance to the area of inquiry. At the end of the seminary the students will be provided with a list of keywords, and a set of resources, such as bibliographic sources, lists of URLÕs etc. These items will allow the students to pursue independent research with the objective to create a narrative. The narrativeÑ1.e. scenario-- should outline the conceptual basis for a project that the student is interested in pursuing. The narratives created by the students will be presented and discussed during a one-day workshop. This workshop will include instructors from all institutions involved.
Outcome: Scenario and Narrative
Upon completion of this stage, students will receive 1 credit. Projects that are considered interesting and creatively challenging will be selected for continuation into the next stages.

1. 25228 Designing Visualization Artifacts (3 credit course)

Preliminary dates: Fri 23.11, 30.11, 7.12, 11.1, 18.1, 25.1, 1.2. (10-13) This course has the following components:
1. Lectures
2. Tutoring/instruction
3. Exercises
4. Research
During this course, selected students will be provided with lectures, tutoring, and instruction, with the objective of creating a full set of specifications (design plan) that would take the narrative produced by the student from a conceptual to a production level. Students will be required to produce a physical document/artifact and present this design plan in a public activity organized at the Lab.
Outcome: Design Plan

1. 25229 Implementation of Strategies of Visualization (4 Credits)

This course is realized as independent production and research carried by the students. It consists of the following components
1. Production and research
2. Exhibition
3. Dissemination
During this phase, students will be provided with the necessary conditions to produce the concepts outlined in the narratives and design plans. A venue for the exhibition of the work created will be established.
Outcome: Visualization Product

Requirements

• Students who desire to participate must agree to work in teams. It should be understood that students will be required to work as part of interdisciplinary teams that combine individuals from a technical as well as an artistic background. Students applying to the course should have knowledge of the following areas:
1. Basic Web authoring.
2. 3D graphics (Coordinate systems, translations, etc.).
3. Familiarity with any programming language.

Recommended textbooks (Initial list)

• Solso, R., Cognition and the Visual Arts, MIT Press, 1994.
• Tufte, E., Envisioning Information, Graphics Press, 2001.
• Tufte, E., The Visual Display of Quantitative Information, Graphics Press, 1990.

Applications of the knowledge acquired in the course

• There is a potential for the application of visualization in diverse fields such as:
• Art
• Archaeology and anthropology
• Economy and Finance
• Geography and Ecology
• History
• Science

Initial list of key words

Animation Augmented reality Boundaries Classification Computer graphics Cognition Information processing Measuring, science of (metrology) Memory Narrative Photogrammetry Photography Perception Presentation Reality Recorded image Representation Time: past - present Ð future Transformation Scale Senses, sensory perception Situatedness 3D data acquisition 3D visualization Units