Animation and data visualization: an analysis protocol proposal

Abstract

Animation can have a range of purposes when applied to data visualization. It can be used to enhance a chart’s readability, make it more appealing, or aid the narrative storytelling. The objective of this paper is to understand the different ways researchers have found to describe the use of animation as a tool for data visualization, and how these approaches interact with one another. Thus, an analysis protocol was established — based on definitions by Munzner, Heer & Robertson, Schwabish, and other researchers in the field — and it was applied to real examples in order to test its ability to identify and categorize types of animation and their uses. It is expected that this analysis protocol could be used as a resource for data visualization professionals and enthusiasts, students, and other interested parties who could benefit from a deeper examination of the theme.