Data Glyphs – Shapes, Icons, and other Graphic Elements in Visualization

Data Glyphs are small, independent visual objects, such as icons, employed as point markers to depict multivariate data and convey information through the use of visual channels and discrete placement in space. These objects vary in type and nature, ranging from simple shapes to complex symbols, and follow different conventions and constraints. Data Glyphs are used across diverse contexts in information visualization, ranging from cartesian plots (e.g., icons on scatterplots) or network graphs (imagery on nodes) to infographics (e.g., USA Today style charts). Although glyph-based approaches to data encoding predate modern information visualization, tracing back to early language, their application potential has grown with recent technological advancements, such as higher device resolutions and novel AI-driven image generation techniques.

This symposium invites contributions addressing research in Data Glyphs. Topics of interest include but are not limited to:

  • Glyph Design, Aesthetics, and Factors — exploration of visual variables and perceptual qualities of data Glyphs, as well as other non-information related elements (e.g., blur, motion, and shadow);
  • Glyph Placement and Layout — placement of Glyphs on the screen space and the relation of glyphs to the space and other Glyphs;
  • User Tasks and Interaction — the influence of user tasks on glyph design and interactions that are uniquely applicable to Glyphs;
  • Perception and Cognition — the role of formal characteristics (e.g., scalability), semantics and semiotics (e.g., use of metaphor) in the perception and interpretation of Glyphs;
  • Design Practices and Evaluation — research on design guidelines, practices, and evaluation criteria for glyph-based visualizations;
  • Generation and Encoding Techniques — novel approaches to Glyph creation, potentially involving knowledge-based, AI-guided, and co-creative methods;
  • Surveys and other types of literature reviews of existing research and practices related to Glyphs; 
  • Glyphs across Disciplines — applications of Glyphs in diverse fields (e.g., chemistry, mathematics, musical notation) and the impact of disciplinary context on glyph design and usage;
  • New Trends in Glyph Research — emerging opportunities, such as Glyph detection and decoding with AI (e.g. deciphering prior visualization images).  Glyph Visualization for AI (e.g., aiding model interpretation) and AI for Glyph visualization (e.g., how can AI assist in Glyph generation);
  • Extending Glyphs — work that goes beyond the traditional forms of Glyph visualization, exploring how different graphic elements can function as Glyphs, either individually or in combination.

For submission guidelines, visit the page submission page.

For general enquiries, and submissions, contact the Conference Co-ordinator

For Symposium-specific enquiries reach out to:

João Miguel Cunha (Dr.)
CISUC, University of Coimbra, Portugal
https://cdv.dei.uc.pt/
jmacunha (@) dei.uc.pt
Evgheni Polisciuc (Dr.)
University of Coimbra, Department of Informatics Engineering
https://www.cisuc.uc.pt/en/people/evgheni-polisciuc
evgheni (@) dei.uc.pt