A Simple Language for Novel Visualizations of Information

Abstract

While information visualization tools support the representation of abstract data, their ability to enhance one’s understanding of complex relationships can be hindered by a limited set of predefined charts. To enable novel visualization over multiple variables, we propose a declarative language for specifying informational graphics from first principles. The language maps properties of generic objects to graphical representations based on scaled interpretations of data values. An iterative approach to constraint solving that involves user advice enables the optimization of graphic layouts. The flexibility and expressiveness of a powerful but relatively easy to use grammar supports the expression of visualizations ranging from the simple to the complex.