[Infovis] Workshop CFP: The Role of Theory in Information Visualization (VisWeek 2010)

[Robert Kosara]

Information visualization is a very applied field that prides itself on 
its practical applications and real-world scenarios. Ignoring the 
theoretical side is dangerous, however, because it limits our ability to 
distill useful information about the foundations of the field from the 
practical work being done, and limits our understanding of how and why 
our own creations work. The goal of this workshop at VisWeek 2010 is to 
bring together researchers interested in the theoretical aspects of 
visualization, define the field, discuss ideas and approaches, and get 
the word out about the importance of theoretical research in information 
visualization.

Topics include:

    * Perceptual research
    * Design studies
    * Ways of systematically exploring the visualization design space
    * Methodological work: how do we do our work, and how can we improve
      our processes?
    * Representation, structure, metaphors: how and why do we attach
      meaning to visual shapes?
    * Reference datasets and tasks

Also, how do we make it easier to publish this kind of work? What makes 
for a good theory paper? Can a theory paper stand on its own, without an 
application or immediate use? Etc.

The workshop will be based mostly on discussions. We invite speakers to 
submit short (2-page) position statements. A small number of these will 
be invited to give very brief (3-minute) presentations at the workshop. 
The goal is not to present large bodies of work, but to have the 
presentations spark discussions.


Deadline: *September 13, 2010
*
Submit your 2-page position paper by emailing it to 
infovistheoryws at me.com <mailto:infovistheoryws at me.com>

For more information, a link to the formatting instructions, etc., 
please see http://eagereyes.org/infovis-theory-workshop


Robert Kosara
T.J. Jankun-Kelly
Chris Weaver