A Personal Paradigm for Computer-Aided Visualization

We consider visualization to be a creative human endeavour and explore how the computer can assist this process, beyond mere image production. We propose a computer-aided visualization system which is driven by the unique abilities of each user. From an initial specification, the system provides a wide variety of visual representations by making combinations of components. From this range of choices, the user makes selections based on personal criteria for meaningfulness. These selections determine the fitness of the displayed representations and this information is used to provide new alternatives for display, consideration and selection. In this way, the space of all available visual representations can be effectively navigated under the user’s control. The operation of this computerized tool complements the process of human inventive thought, as described by many scholars.