Grounded Visualization Design Case Studies

The keystone of the VSRS critical visual design research methodology is Grounded Visualization Design, an approach to working with participants through visual elicitation and co-design. GVD includes three phases: (1) context study, (2) co-design, and (3) triangulation. Here we collect case studies from projects that use this design research process.

Visualizing Bipolar Disorder

Visualizations of personal data in self-tracking systems can make even subtle shifts in mental and physical states observable, greatly influencing how health and wellness goals are set, pursued, and achieved. Recent work in data ethics cautions that standardized models can have unintended negative consequences for some user groups. Through collaborative design and critical visual analysis, this study contrasts conventional visualizations of personal data with the ways that vulnerable populations represent their lived experiences.

Visualizations of personal data in self-tracking systems can make even subtle shifts in mental and physical states observable, greatly influencing how health and wellness goals are set, pursued, and achieved. Recent work in data ethics cautions that standardized models can have unin-tended negative consequences for some user groups. Through collaborative design and critical visual analysis, this study contrasts conventional visualizations of personal data with the ways that vulnerable populations represent their lived experiences.