Hi Tim,
One of the "value propositions" of our work is to put two concepts of working approaches together - art and science. When you look at most info visualization approaches, they are "pattern" based, meaning data in and a very specific output out - e.g. map or scatter plot. In contrast, an artist usually looks at primitive objects and puts them together for meaning - a far more freeform process. We see the infovis design domain needing a more atomic approach. We like the idea that there are certain logics and primitives, and they can be mixed for different results. If an architecture supports atomic evolution, it can easily grow with new approaches.
Let's look at an example: Consider a cube and polygon. You can use a cube for a bar chart; you can use a polygon for a map (country border). You can use a cube and polygon to create a symbolized map. You can color the polygon and size the cube. Or you can size the polygon (cartogram) and color the cube. But perhaps the map coordinate does not work. You can change the poly nodes to a graph, and size the nodes based on centrality; or forget the polygon, keep the cube and order it as a treemap. Add a fourth variable, no problem - extrude the cube and create a 4d treemap. Still need the map? Fine, project it on a new plane in the scene. Overall, you are not intent to build a chart or map or graph - you are trying to understand data and gain insight. Our project intends to demonstrate that taking an atomic view of info design enables more possibilities for fluid analysis.
We also look to the 3d modeling world for its expressive nature. Simply, analysis should produce a story of insight and clearly 3d modeling has proven itself as an excellent platform for complex storytelling. In other words, sure we could use VTK for a treemap or graph representation, but what about creating a flythrough movie of how climate change is affecting the world food supply? What if Minard tried to make his famous Napoleon March graphic with software today - he'd fail...it was done by hand :-)
We find the possibility to bring these areas together as a possible opportunity for synergy - science continues to produce great methods of logic, and art continues to find new expressions. From a technology perspective, there's an interesting connection. From an analyst perspective, I'm looking forward to a potential where the tool is not a limitation, but a "freedom" of expressing data...
Make sense?
JB
