2.1. Advantages of the visual form of information presentation
Verbal language and verbal categories contain extremely primitive means for constructing space, interpreting it, or doing something with it. This goal is served by the language of images and the system of perceptual actions, with the help of which a person builds an image. surrounding reality and orientate itself in it. This system is called perception. Perception is defined as a holistic image that reflects the unity of the structure and properties of an object. The objects of visual perception are objects, processes and phenomena of the surrounding world, which can be divided and described in terms of space, movement, shape, texture, color, brightness, etc. When perceiving objects, the image more or less fully reflects the object or situation in which there is a person.
Images based on visual perception have more associative power than words. Perhaps that is why they are perfectly stored in memory. Even after a single viewing of several thousand paintings, observers are able to correctly identify about 90% of them. The visual image is very plastic. This property is manifested in the fact that in terms of the image, a quick transition is possible from a generalized assessment of the situation to detailed analysis its elements. Various kinds of movements of objects reflected in the image, their shifts, rotations, as well as enlargement, reduction, perspective distortions and normalization are possible. This peculiar manipulative ability of the visual system allows us to present the situation both in direct and in reverse perspective. Manipulation of images, their completion are the most important means of productive perception and visual thinking.
Many studies indicate that there are mechanisms in the visual system that ensure the birth of a new image. Thanks to them, a person is able to see the world not only as it really exists, but also as it can (or should) be. This means that visual images are necessary condition, even more than that - an instrument of mental activity. They are more directly related than symbols and speech, with human environment subject reality. An image is not only and not so much a contemplation as a recreation of reality. It, this reality, can be recreated in the form (or close to it) in which the object actually exists. But it is also possible to destroy the object, situation and recreate its new version or variants. On the basis of this image, changed in comparison with reality, a person again turns to objective reality and rebuilds it in his practical activity. it is impossible to prepare a creatively thinking specialist without developing his figurative representation, imagination and thinking. A tangible benefit in this matter is provided by the universal apparatus of projection schematism. One of the most important projection modeling tools used to form spatial representations is geometric interpretation. The objects of interpretation are graphic models in the form of a combination of drawings, diagrams, text, diagrams, etc. Graphic models involve displaying information in the form of a set of means for graphical representation of information: lines, symbols, mnemonic signs used in accordance with the rules for constructing graphic models. When perceiving information in this form, it is necessary to enter a higher dimensional operational space than when perceiving a text. The degree of accuracy when comparing an information object with its model depends on the completeness of information about the projection apparatus, which took place during the modeling. Figure 2.1 shows one of the possible classifications of graphical models. Pictographic model- a graphical model compiled using conditional graphic images(pictograms) denoting objects, actions or events. Ideographic model- a graphic model compiled using ideograms - conventional written signs denoting concepts.
The issue of the effectiveness of the transfer and assimilation of information is one of the main ones for recent decades. The main means of communication in the world at the beginning of the 21st century is visualization ( visual form transmission) of information. The largest number information (about 80-90%) a person perceives visually. "The dominant importance of the visual system for humans is explained by the fact that it is the most powerful source of information about the outside world, has the greatest range and stereoscopic sensory functions" .
Efficiency, advantage graphic way transmission of information, compared with motor or sound (Figure 2.2), is that visual perception the information transmitted by a person and the creation of a mental image by him occur so quickly that a person perceives this process as “instant”. This explains the effect of simultaneity, or simultaneity, based on the property of human perception of information: created mental images when perceiving information and transmitted graphic models are very close in form.
Information visualization
According to the already established tradition, let's start with a definition.
Information visualization– presentation of information in the form of graphs, diagrams, block diagrams, tables, maps, etc.
ecsocman.edu.ru
Why visualize information? "Stupid question!" the reader will exclaim. Of course, text with pictures is perceived better than "gray" text, and pictures with text are perceived even better. No wonder we all love comics so much - because they allow us to literally grasp information on the fly, it would seem, without the slightest mental effort! And remember how well you remembered during your studies the material of those lectures that were accompanied by slides!
The first thing that comes to mind when we hear the word "visualization" is ϶ᴛᴏ graphs and diagrams (that's the power of associations!). On the other hand, only numerical data can be visualized in this way, no one has yet been able to build a graph based on coherent text. For the text, we can build a plan, highlight the main thoughts (theses) - make brief summary. We will talk about the shortcomings and dangers of taking notes a little later, but now we will say that if we combine the plan and a short summary - "hang" the theses on the branches of a tree, the structure of which corresponds to the structure (plan) of the text͵ - then we will get an excellent block diagram text͵ which will be remembered much better than any abstract. In this case, the branches will play the role of those "tracks" - paths that connect the concepts and theses that we talked about earlier.
Remember how we built UML diagrams based on the description of the designed software system received from its future users? The resulting pictures were perceived by both clients and developers much easier and faster than a text description. In the same way, you can "depict" absolutely any text, not only the terms of reference for the development of the system. The approach described above allows us to visually present absolutely any text - be it a fairy tale, terms of reference, lecture, fantasy novel or the results of the meeting - in the form of a convenient and easy-to-read tree. You can build it as you like - if only you get a clear and understandable diagram, which it would be nice to illustrate with drawings that are appropriate in meaning.
Such schemes are also convenient to use in communication when discussing any issues and problems. As practice shows, the lack of clear notation standards creates absolutely no communication difficulties for the participants in the discussions. On the contrary, the use of non-verbal forms of information presentation allows you to focus on the key points of the problem. Τᴀᴋᴎᴍ ᴏϬᴩᴀᴈᴏᴍ, visualization is one of the most promising ways to improve the efficiency of analysis, presentation, perception and understanding of information.
Wow, finally we are done with the tedious description of scientific theories, methods and techniques used to process, systematize and visualize information! The previous part of the chapter greatly tired both the author and the readers, and nevertheless, it was necessary: as a result, we saw that the features of our brain are already actively used by scientists in various fields of science, many things that seem familiar to us, – personal computers, user interfaces, knowledge bases, etc. - were originally built taking into account the associative nature of human thinking and its tendency to hierarchical representation and visualization of information. But the pinnacle and natural graphical expression of human thought processes is mind mapping, which we are finally discussing. And at the same time we will try to expand our understanding of the principles of visual thinking.
Information visualization - concept and types. Classification and features of the category "Information visualization" 2017, 2018.
The quality of visual design to a large extent affects both the psycho-physiological state of the user and the efficiency of his work in general. As a result, even a software product that is powerful enough in its capabilities may not be functional enough if the visual representation of its interface does not meet the relevant requirements.
When designing visual elements of the application interface, it is advisable to rely on certain principles of composition, the main of which are the following:
hierarchical organization of displayed information;
visual highlighting of the most important elements;
balance of the screen structure;
visual association of logically interconnected elements;
ensuring readability and logical consistency of the displayed information;
use of unified approaches to the visualization of displayed information not only within the application, but also the working environment as a whole (integration principle).
Hierarchical organization of information. The principle of hierarchical organization of information means the placement of information, taking into account its value relative to other visual elements of the application. The result of this ordering affects the implementation of all other principles of visual representation of information. From the point of view of the user's work, the hierarchical organization of information determines the availability of certain data and the sequence in which the task is performed.
Visual highlighting of the most important elements. When implementing the principle of attracting the user's attention, two tasks must be solved: first, the choice at each step of the work of some basic ideas, the most important for this step; secondly, the appropriate presentation and placement of the elements that implement this idea.
Due to psychophysiological features, people look first of all at the upper left corner of the area being viewed or at that its part, which is visually different from others. Based on this, it makes sense to place the most important information (or node) either in the upper left corner of the screen, or in a window provided with special attributes.
Balanced screen structure. The principle of balanced screen structure is one of the most important principles of visual design. It involves, on the one hand, the rational use of screen space, and on the other hand, such an arrangement of information in which only that part of it that is really necessary to complete the next step of the user's task is presented on the screen at any given time.
Visual association of logically interconnected elements. The visual association of logically interconnected elements helps the user to understand how exactly the information presented on the screen and the controls are related to the executed Job Step and each other. With friend. For example, if a dialog box has a button that affects the contents of a list, it makes sense to place them side by side.
Readability and logical consistency of the displayed information. Any information (not only textual) should be expressed in a compact and at the same time in an accessible form; in addition, the user must be able to understand how it relates to previous and subsequent task steps.
Integration. If the interface of an application is visually consistent with the interface of the system and the interface of other applications, it is much easier to provide the user with a consistent and predictable work environment.
Color is one of the most important visual attributes of the interface. Since color has the ability to attract the eye, it should be used to identify those interface elements that the user needs to pay attention to. Color also has an associative aspect; in many cases, objects of the same color are perceived by people as interconnected. The color scheme can also have a certain emotional or psychological impact; not in vain, for example, they divide colors into “cold” and “warm”.
Please note that some color combinations, such as blue characters on a red background, are not pleasant to the eye. About the influence of color on mood and performance.
Fonts help organize information and create a certain mood. By changing the size and density of the font, you can indicate to the user the degree of importance of this or that information and the order in which it should be read.
On the screens of standard monitors, fonts are usually less legible than on the printed page. Try not to use italics (Italic) and sans serif (Serif), as they are difficult to read, especially at low monitor resolutions.
The number of fonts and styles used should be limited. If possible, use the standard system font for common interface elements. This ensures visual consistency between your application's interface and the workbench's interface.
"Multidimensionality" of the screen When depicting many interface elements, it is useful to use perspective, highlighting, and shading in order to provide the effect of a three-dimensional image. This helps to increase the functionality of the interface and the visibility of feedback when the user works with computer analogues of the real world.
When creating lighting/shading effects, the default is to assume that the hypothetical light source is in the upper left corner of the screen.
When designing your own visual elements, you should be careful not to overdo it in using "3D" images, since the image of each "3D" object takes up much more space on the screen than its "flat" counterpart. Use 3D effects only to display interactive elements. At the same time, enter only those details that are really necessary for the user to identify the image.
Size and relative position of visual elements are very important for creating a visually consistent and predictable environment. The visual structure is also important in terms of conveying the purpose of the elements displayed in the window. In general, when choosing an option for placing elements, you should follow the same rules that are used when laying out a printed page.
Grouping. Grouping involves compact placement of related elements. To implement grouping, either a special element - a grouping block, or simply placing elements at an appropriate distance from each other can be used.
While you can use color to visually group objects, this is not a good approach because it can lead to unwanted effects when the user changes the color scheme.
Try to arrange the controls in the toolbar so that there is a gap from the edge of the toolbar to the edge of the window, at least equal to the width of the window frame. In some cases, such as when toolbar buttons are used like a set of radio buttons, they may be stacked together (without a gap).
It is advisable to group the main control buttons of the secondary window in the upper right corner of the window or place it in the form of a ruler along the bottom edge of the window. If the window has a predefined button, then it should usually be the first one.
OK and Cancel should be nearby. The button should "close" the group Reference(if supported by the application). If the button OK not used in this window, but there are other control buttons; then it is best to set the button Cancel at the end of the set of control buttons, but before the button Reference. If a button only applies to a specific area of the window, include it in that area.
If buttons (or other controls) are placed on a tab, they are assumed to be scoped only to that tab; accordingly, buttons that are not part of any of the tabs of the window refer to the window as a whole.
Alignment. Alignment is another additional way visual display of related information (or controls). As a rule, there are three ways to align information:
vertical (along the left or right edge of aligned elements);
horizontal (along the top line or along the top edge of the element);
adjacent alignment (when elements meet at their edges).
If the information is located vertically, it is advisable to align its elements to the left edge of the corresponding area. This usually makes it easier for the user to quickly view the information. However, if the column is displaying numeric data that can change, it's best to align it to the right.
Visualization of performed operations is one way to provide the user with feedback on the application. A thoughtful visualization method not only contributes to a better understanding of the essence of the operation being performed by the user, but also provides timely and correct user response in case of erroneous or unsuccessful actions. This is especially important for applications used in control, decision making and other real-time systems.
Visualization of selection operations. visual Feedback when performing selection operations, it should allow the user to uniquely identify the selected object against the background of the rest.
The image of the selected object must change directly during the selection operation. The same applies to the selectable area. In this case, the selection state should be displayed only for the active area or hierarchy level (for example, for the active window or subwindow). This will help the user determine which of the available choices the action being performed belongs to.
For many types of objects, the system highlight color can be used to indicate selection state.
Visualization of forwarding operations. Transfer operations include the operations of moving, copying and linking objects, as well as their derivatives. When performing transfer operations, the renderer is the movement of the image of the object being transferred simultaneously with the movement of the pointer. In this case, the image of the object being moved should be visually different from its image in the initial position: either a translucent or a contour image of the object is used as it.
Animation. Animation in many cases can be a very effective means of conveying visual information (for example, as an illustration of the operation of a device or the performance of an operation). Sometimes its use can simply enliven the interface of the application and make the user's interaction with it more pleasant.
One of the most important requirements for using animation is that it should not affect the interactivity of the interface. Don't make the user wait for the "cartoon" to complete. If the animation is not part of a running process, allow the user to either interrupt it or continue in parallel.
Avoid unnecessary use of animation. If the animation is only used for decorative purposes, it can be distracting or even annoying to the user.
Every day, every person is bombarded with a huge amount of information. We are faced with new situations, objects, phenomena. Some people have no problem coping with this flow of knowledge and successfully using it to their advantage. Others have a hard time remembering anything. In many respects, this situation is explained by the fact that a person belongs to a certain type according to the way of perception of information. If it is submitted in a form that is inconvenient for a person, then its processing will be extremely difficult.
What is information?
The concept of "information" is abstract meaning and much of its definition depends on the context. Translated from Latin this word means "clarification", "presentation", "familiarization". Most often, the term "information" is understood as new facts that are perceived and understood by a person, and also recognized as useful. In the process of processing this information for the first time, people receive certain knowledge.
How is information received?
The perception of information by a person is an acquaintance with phenomena and objects through their impact on various sense organs. Analyzing the result of the impact of a particular object or situation on the organs of vision, hearing, smell, taste and touch, the individual receives a certain idea about them. Thus, the basis in the process of perceiving information is our five senses. At the same time, actively involved past experience person and prior knowledge. Turning to them, one can attribute the information received to already known phenomena or separate it from the general mass into a separate category. Ways of perception of information are based on some processes associated with the human psyche:
- thinking (having seen or heard an object or phenomenon, a person, starting to think, realizes what he is faced with);
- speech (the ability to name the object of perception);
- feelings ( different kinds reactions to objects of perception);
- will to organize the process of perception).
Presentation of information
According to this parameter, information can be divided into the following types:
- Text. It is represented in the form of all kinds of symbols, which, combined with each other, allow you to get words, phrases, sentences in any language.
- Numeric. This is information represented by numbers and signs that express a certain mathematical action.
- Sound. This is directly oral speech, thanks to which information from one person is transmitted to another, and various audio recordings.
- Graphic. It includes diagrams, graphs, drawings and other images.
Perception and presentation of information are inextricably linked. Each person tries to choose exactly the option of presenting data that will provide the best understanding of them.
Ways of perception of information by a person
A person has several such methods at his disposal. They are determined by the five senses: sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell. In this regard, there is a certain classification of information according to the method of perception:
- visual;
- sound;
- tactile;
- taste;
- olfactory.
Visual information is perceived through the eyes. Thanks to them, various visual images enter the human brain, which are then processed there. Hearing is necessary for the perception of information coming in the form of sounds (speech, noise, music, signals). responsible for the possibility of perception. Receptors located on the skin make it possible to assess the temperature of the object under study, the type of its surface, and the shape. Taste information enters the brain from receptors on the tongue and is converted into a signal by which a person understands what product it is: sour, sweet, bitter or salty. The sense of smell also helps us in understanding the world around us, allowing us to distinguish and identify all kinds of smells. main role vision plays a role in the perception of information. It accounts for about 90% of the acquired knowledge. The sound way of perceiving information (radio transmission, for example) is about 9%, and the rest of the senses are responsible for only 1%.
Perception types
The same information received by any in a certain way is perceived differently by each person. Someone after a minute reading one of the pages of the book can easily retell its content, while the other will not remember almost anything. But if such a person reads the same text aloud, he will easily recall what he heard in his memory. Such differences determine the characteristics of the perception of information by people, each of which is inherent in a certain type. There are four in total:
- Visuals.
- Audials.
- Kinesthetics.
- Discrets.
It is often very important to know what type of perception of information is dominant for a person and how it is characterized. This significantly improves mutual understanding between people, makes it possible to quickly and fully convey the necessary information to your interlocutor.
visuals
These are people for whom the main sense organ in the process of cognition of the surrounding world and the perception of information is vision. They remember very well new material if they see it in the form of text, pictures, diagrams and graphs. In the speech of visuals, there are often words that are somehow related to the characteristics of objects by their outward signs, the very function of vision (“let's see”, “light”, “bright”, “it will be visible”, “it seems to me”). Such people usually speak loudly, quickly, and actively gesticulate at the same time. visuals great attention pay attention to their appearance, the environment.
Audials
For auditory people, it is much easier to learn what they have heard once, and not seen a hundred times. The peculiarities of the perception of information by such people lie in their ability to listen and remember well what was said both in conversation with colleagues or relatives, and at a lecture at an institute or at a workshop. Audials have a big lexicon, it's a pleasure to talk to them. Such people know how to perfectly convince the interlocutor in a conversation with him. They prefer quiet activities to active pastime, they like to listen to music.
kinesthetics
Touch, smell and taste play important role in the process of perception of information by kinesthetics. They seek to touch, feel, taste the object. Significant for kinesthetics and physical activity. In the speech of such people, there are often words that describe sensations (“soft”, “according to my feelings”, “grab”). For a kinesthetic child, bodily contact with loved ones is necessary. Hugs and kisses are important to him, comfortable clothes, soft and clean bed.
Discrets
Ways of perception of information are directly related to the human senses. The bulk of people with the help of sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste. However, the types of perception of information include the one that is associated primarily with thinking. People who perceive the world similarly, are called discretes. There are quite a few of them, and they are found only among adults, since logic is not sufficiently developed in children. At a young age, the main ways of perceiving information in discretes are visual and auditory. And only with age do they begin to actively reflect on what they have seen and heard, while discovering new knowledge for themselves.
Type of perception and learning
The way people perceive information largely determines the form of learning that will be most effective for them. Of course, there are no such people who would receive new knowledge entirely with the help of one sense organ or a group of them, for example, touch and smell. All of them act as means of perception of information. However, knowing which sense organs are specific person dominant, enables others to quickly bring the necessary information to him, and the person himself allows you to effectively organize the process of self-education.
Visuals, for example, need to represent the entire new information V readable form, in drawings and diagrams. In this case, they remember it much better. Visuals usually thrive in exact sciences. Even in childhood, they perfectly put together puzzles, many know geometric figures, well draw, draw, build from cubes or a designer.
Audials, on the contrary, perceive information received from it more easily. It can be a conversation with someone, a lecture, an audio recording. When learning foreign language for auditory students, audio courses are preferable to printed tutorials. If you still need to remember the written text, it is better to say it out loud.
Kinesthetics are very mobile. They find it difficult to concentrate on anything long time. It is difficult for such people to assimilate the material received in a lecture or from a textbook. The memorization process will go faster if kinesthetic learners learn to connect theory and practice. It is easier for them to learn such sciences as physics, chemistry, biology, in which a specific scientific term or the law can be represented as the result of an experiment carried out in a laboratory.
Discrets take a little longer than other people to take note of new information. They must first comprehend it, correlate it with their past experience. Such people can, for example, record a teacher's lecture on a voice recorder in order to listen to it a second time later. There are many people of science among discrets, since rationality and logic are above all for them. Therefore, in the process of study, they will be closest to those subjects in which accuracy determines the perception of information - computer science, for example.
Role in communication
The types of perception of information also affect how to communicate with him so that he listens to you. Very important for visuals appearance interlocutor. The slightest carelessness in clothing can push him away, after which it will not matter at all what he says. When talking with a visual, you need to pay attention to your facial expressions, speak quickly using gestures, reinforce the conversation with schematic drawings.
In a conversation with an auditory person, there should be words that are close to him (“listen to me”, “sounds tempting”, “this says a lot”). The perception of information by an auditory person depends largely on how the interlocutor speaks. should be calm and pleasant. An important conversation with the auditory is better to postpone if you have a bad cold. Such people also do not tolerate shrill notes in their voices.
Negotiations with kinesthetics should be carried out in a room with a comfortable air temperature, pleasant smell. Such people sometimes need to touch the interlocutor, so they better understand what they hear or see. You should not expect a quick decision from the kinesthetic immediately after the conversation. He needs time to listen to his feelings and understand that he is doing everything right.
Dialogue with discrete should be built on the principle of rationality. It is best to operate with strict rules. For a discrete, the language of numbers is more understandable.
