UW Interactive Data Lab

Source: https://idl.uw.edu/about Parent: https://idl.uw.edu/papers/voyager

Nothing — not the careful logic of mathematics, not statistical models and theories, not the awesome arithmetic power of modern computers — nothing can substitute here for the flexibility of the informed human mind... Accordingly, both [analysis] approaches and techniques need to be structured so as to facilitate human involvement and intervention. – Tukey & Wilk, Data Analysis & Statistics, 1966

Advances in computing and statistics provide new opportunities for data-driven discovery. However, breakthroughs in science and industry ultimately lie with the ability of empowered investigators to pursue questions, uncover domain-specific patterns, identify errors, and assess model outputs. Though voiced over 50 years ago, the sentiments of Tukey & Wilk ring true today: to facilitate effective human involvement at all stages of data analysis remains a grand challenge.

The mission of the Interactive Data Lab is to enhance people’s ability to understand and communicate data through the design of new interactive systems for data visualization and analysis. We study the perceptual, cognitive and social factors affecting data analysis in order to improve the efficiency and scale at which expert analysts work, and to lower barriers for non-experts.

Background

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