Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

What Is an Effective Knowledge Visualization? Insights from a Review of Seminal Concepts

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Knowledge Visualization Currents

Abstract

The domain of knowledge visualization (KV) focuses on the collaborative use of interactive graphics to create, integrate, and apply knowledge. This emerging approach nevertheless builds on decades of research on using images collaboratively for sense making and knowledge sharing. In this chapter, we review the seminal concepts from different disciplines that help to explain how visualizations can effectively act as collaboration catalysts and knowledge integrators. Our review makes it apparent that many different labels and conceptions exist in very different domains to explain the same phenomenon: the integrative power of visuals for knowledge-intensive collaboration processes. These concepts can be used to compile a list of the requirements of an effective KV. We conclude this chapter by showing the theoretical and practical implications of this review.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Bresciani, S., Blackwell, A.F., Eppler, M.J.: A collaborative dimensions framework: understanding the mediating role of conceptual visualizations in collaborative knowledge work. In: Proceedings of the 41st Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences (HICSS 2008). IEEE Press, Hawaii (2008)

    Google Scholar 

  2. Cook, S.D.N., Brown, J.S.: Bridging epistemologies: the generative dance between organizational knowledge and organizational knowing. Organ. Sci. 10(4), 381–400 (1999)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Eden, C., Ackermann, F.: Making Strategy: The Journey of Strategic Management. Sage, London (1998)

    Google Scholar 

  4. Eden, C. Ackermann, F.: Where next for problem structuring methods. J. Oper. Res. Soc. 57(7), 766–768 (2006)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Elkins, J.: The Domain of Images. Cornell University Press, Ithaca (1999)

    Google Scholar 

  6. Eppler, M.J., Burkard, R.A.: Knowledge visualization. Towards a new discipline and its fields of application. In: Schwartz, D.G. (ed.) Encyclopedia of Knowledge Management. Idea Group, Hershey (2004)

    Google Scholar 

  7. Eppler, M.J., Burkhard, R.A.: Visual representations in knowledge management: framework and cases. J. Knowl. Manage. 4(11), 112–122 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Goodman, N.: Languages of Art. Oxford University Press, London (1969)

    Google Scholar 

  9. Green, T.R.G.: Usability Analysis of visual programming environments: a cognitive dimensions framework. J. Visual. Lang. Comput. 7(2), 131–174 (1996)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Henderson, K.: Flexible Sketches and Inflexible data bases: visual communication, conscription devices, and boundary objects in design engineering. Sci. Technol. Human. Values. 16, 448–473 (1991)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Hoffmann, M.H.G.: Peirce’s “Diagrammatic Reasoning” as a solution of the learning paradox. In: Guy, D. (ed.) Process Pragmatism: Essays on a Quiet Philosophical Revolution, pp. 121–143. Rodopi, Amsterdam (2003)

    Google Scholar 

  12. Horn, R.E.: Visual Language: Global Communication for the 21st Century. MacroVU Press, Bainbridge Island (1998)

    Google Scholar 

  13. Kaptelinin, A.: Acting with Technology—Activity Theory and Interaction Design. MIT Press, Cambridge (2006)

    Google Scholar 

  14. Knorr-Cetina, K.: Epistemic Cultures. How the Sciences Make Knowledge [1999]. Harvard University Press, Cambridge (2003)

    Google Scholar 

  15. Latour, B.: Visualisation and cognition: drawing things together. In: Michael, L., Steve, W (eds.) Representation in Scientific Activity, pp. 19–68. MIT Press, Cambridge (1990)

    Google Scholar 

  16. Orlikowski, W.J.: Material knowing: the scaffolding of human knowledgeability. Eur. J. Inform. Syst. 5(15), 460–466 (2006)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Orlikowski, W.J.: Sociomaterial practices: exploring technology at work. Organ. Stud. 9(28), 1435–1448 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Star, S.L., Griesemer, J.R.: Institutional ecology, ‘Translations’ and boundary objects: amateurs and professionals in Berkeley’s museum of vertebrate zoology. Soc. Stud. Sci. 19(4), 387–420 (1989)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Suchman, L.: Affiliative objects. Organization. 12(3), 379–399 (2005)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Suthers, D.D.: Towards a systematic study of representational guidance for collaborative learning discourse. J. Univers. Comput. Sci. 7(3), 254–277 (2001)

    MATH  Google Scholar 

  21. Tufte, E.R.: Visual Explanations. Graphics Press, Cheshire (1997)

    MATH  Google Scholar 

  22. Tversky, B.: Visuospatial reasoning. In: Holyoak, K., Morrison, R. (eds.) The Cambridge Handbook of Thinking and Reasoning, Chap. 10. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge (2005)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Media and Communications Management, University of St. Gallen, Blumenbergplatz 9, 9000, St. Gallen, Switzerland

    Dr. Martin J. Eppler

Authors
  1. Dr. Martin J. Eppler
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Martin J. Eppler .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Computer Science Department, Pace University, 163 William Street, 2nd Floor, New York, 10038, New York, USA

    Francis T. Marchese

  2. Institute for Computing Research, London South Bank University, Research Unit, 103 Borough Road, London, SE1 0AA, United Kingdom

    Ebad Banissi

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2013 Springer-Verlag London

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Eppler, M. (2013). What Is an Effective Knowledge Visualization? Insights from a Review of Seminal Concepts. In: Marchese, F., Banissi, E. (eds) Knowledge Visualization Currents. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4303-1_1

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4303-1_1

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4471-4302-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-4303-1

  • eBook Packages: Computer ScienceComputer Science (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation