Card Sorting Techniques for Domain Characterization in Problem-driven Visualization Research

Abstract

In a problem-driven visualization research, the domain characterization is fundamental to the design process of a visualization solution to enable insight and discovery. Complex, fuzzy and exploratory analysis tasks in a specialized domain present considerable challenges to the designer, as well as the expert, to establish a shared understanding of the domain problem and analysis needs. In this paper, we provide a three-stage practical guideline for conducting card sorting exercise to address challenges in the domain characterization and a case study from the biological domain.