Made to Feel: How Designers Bring Emotions into Affective Visualization

Authors

Yixin Bai (University of Maryland), Ziyi Wang (University of Maryland, College Park), Keke Wu (University of Maryland), Fumeng Yang (University of Maryland College Park)

Presentation

Session

Data, Meet Human: Vis That Cares

Time

Wednesday, Nov 11, 10:36 – 10:45 (US/Eastern) · session 10:00 – 11:30

Location

Hall America north

Keywords

Affective Visualization, Emotion, Design.

Abstract

Affective visualization is increasingly studied in visualization research, yet how designers bring emotions into their visualization work remains unexplored. This paper addresses this gap through semi-structured interviews with 15 visualization practitioners. Using hybrid thematic analysis, we identify: (1) three functions that emotions can serve for viewers (entry, engagement, outcome); (2) three facets of how designers work with emotion (data, design, audience), along with design strategies; and (3) ethical considerations in the design process. We also observe that affective intent often emerges during the design process rather than being planned from the outset, and that emotional impact arises from accumulated design choices rather than isolated visual elements. Finally, we highlight evaluation as a key challenge identified by our participants.

For Practitioners

Data visualization designers, data journalists, and visualization tool developers would find this paper relevant. Designers can apply our framework of emotional functions and affective facets to intentionally craft viewers' emotional responses and to reason about ethical boundaries; tool builders can use our insights on how affective intent emerges during design to create better evaluation and authoring support