Evidence for Effect of Aesthetic on Interpretation of Visualizations by Engineers and Non-Engineers

Baca, J. A., Carruth, D. W., Stephens, M., & Lewis, C. (2022). Evidence for Effect of Aesthetic on Interpretation of Visualizations by Engineers and Non-Engineers. Usability and User Experience. AHFE (2022) International Conference. New York, NY, USA: AHFE Open Access. 39. DOI:10.54941/ahfe1001718.

This study evaluated the efficacy of scientific visualization for multiple categories of users, including both domain experts as well as users from the general public. Efficacy was evaluated for understanding, usability, and aesthetic value. Results indicate that aesthetics play a critical role in enhancing and improving user understanding of scientific research by non-expert viewers. Results also suggest that the method developed in this study provides an approach for evaluation of the efficacy of improvements to scientific visualizations intended to increase user understanding.