Print-and-play: Data Physicalization Methods for Research Analysis in Technical Communication
Adam Strantz · 2023
Data physicalization is an emerging interdisciplinary field which studies the use of physical materials to analyze and display interactive data. As technical communication scholars have already studied data visualization from a variety of rhetorical and design-centered perspectives, they are well-suited to contribute to this emerging field. In this experience report, the author presents an activity for teaching data physicalization to students using the university makerspace. Using crafting materials alongside 3D printing and laser cutting devices, students learn both good design and maker skills that enable them to create engaging physical data displays which they then iterate upon to further create data visualizations using design software. By including similar physicalization activities into their pedagogy, technical communication teachers can contribute to students’ understanding of data analysis, making, and good visual design.