Better Visualization through Better Vision
Michael Eisenberg · Advances in educational technologies and instructional design book series · 2016
Traditionally, the subject of “scientific visualization” focuses on the creation of novel or innovative graphical representations: essentially, new types of images to perceive. A truly complete approach to scientific visualization should include not only the perceived object, but also the abilities of the perceiver. Human “visual common sense” is a product of evolution, suited to the survival of the species; but it has severe and recurring limitations for the purposes of scientific understanding and education. People cannot readily understand phenomena that are too fast, slow, or complex for their visual systems to take in; they cannot see wavelengths outside visual spectrum; they have difficulty understanding three-dimensional (or, even worse, four-dimensional) objects. This chapter explores a variety of ideas and design themes for approaching scientific visualization by enhancing the powers of human vision.