Definition: "Knowledge visualization is the use of visual representations to transfer knowledge between at least two persons." (Burkhard and Meier, 2004)

Knowledge Visualization aims to improve the transfer of knowledge by using computer and non-computerbased visualization methods complementary. Examples of such visual formats are sketches, diagrams, images, objects, interactive visualizations, information visualization applications, imaginary visualizations, stories. While information visualization (IV) concentrates on the use of computer-supported tools to derive new insights, knowledge visualization (KV) focuses to transfer insights and to create new knowledge in groups. Beyond the mere transfer of facts, knowledge visualization aims to further transfer insights, experiences, attitudes, values, expectations, perspectives, opinions, and predictions by using various complementary visualizations. Knowledge Visualization has it's roots in Visual Communication, Communication Sciences, Visual Perception and Knowledge Management, where it is a key-issue to make knowledge visible so that it can be better identified, accessed, shared, discussed, applied, or generally be managed.

Contents

1 Knowledge Visualization Framework 2 Knowledge Visualization Model 3 References 4 Links 5 Related Research Areas

Knowledge Visualization Framework

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Figure 1: The Knowledge Visualization Framework (Copyright: Remo Burkhard)

The Knowledge Visualization Framework consists of four perspectives that need to be considered when creating visual representations that aim to transfer and create knowledge: A function perspective answers why a visualization should be used, a knowledge type perspective clarifies the nature of the content, a recipient type perspective points to the different backgrounds of the recipient/audience, and finally the visualization type perspective structures the main visualization types according to their individual characteristics. The framework is described in Burkhard (2004b) and Burkhard (2005); a modified version of the framework is described in Eppler and Burkhard (2005).

Knowledge Visualization Model

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Figure 2: The Knowledge Visualization Model with a sender, a recipient and complementary visualizations as a medium. These three parts are all interlinked in an interaction and communication loop. (Copyright Remo Burkhard)

The Knowledge Visualization Model introduces the salient features that need to be considered when complementary visual representations are used to transfer or create knowledge.

The Knowledge Visualization Model (Burkhard, 2005) is grounded in findings from related Knowledge Visualization Research (Burkhard and Meier, 2005; Burkhard and Meier 2004; Burkhard, 2004a; Burkhard, 2004b; Burkhard, 2004c). The model describes inter- and intrapersonal iterative processes: The process starts with a sender who wants to transfer some of his knowledge (knowledge) to a recipient. His mental model of this knowledge (mental model sender) is being externalized into various explicit and complementary visual representations, which can be divided into three sub processes (1,2,3) following a temporal sequence: First, the sender needs to get the attention (1) of the recipient, for instance by using a provocative image. Second, the sender needs to illustrate the context (2), provide an overview (2), and present options to act (2). Only then the sender can point to selected details (3), which ideally happens in a dynamic dialog with the recipient (D), who re-constructs (C) similar knowledge (Knowledge') with these complementary visualizations and an own mental image (mental model recipient). But due to different assumptions, believes, or backgrounds, inferences and misinterpretations can occur (E), which can lead to a failure of the knowledge re-construction. In this process, the sender iteratively refines or adds further visual representations (F), until the knowledge transfer process was succesful.

References

[1] Burkhard, R., 2005, "Towards a Framework and a Model for Knowledge Visualization: Synergies between Information and Knowledge Visualization", in: Tergan and Keller (eds.) Knowledge and information visualization: searching for synergies, Heidelberg / New York, Springer Lecture Notes in Computer Science, [to appear].

[2] Burkhard, R. and Meier, M., 2005, "Tube Map Visualization: Evaluation of a Novel Knowledge Visualization Application for the Transfer of Knowledge in Long-Term Projects", Journal of Universal Computer Science, (Special Issue Business Process Oriented Knowledge Infrastructures), [to appear].

[3] Eppler, M. and Burkhard, R., 2005, "Knowledge Visualization", Encyclopedia of Knowledge Management, Idea Group, [to appear].

[4] Burkhard, R., 2004a, "Knowledge Visualization sagt mehr als tausend Worte", io new management, Zeitschrift für Unternehmenswissenschaften und Führungspraxis, (6), 56-58.

[5] Burkhard, R., 2004b, "Learning from Architects: The Difference between Knowledge Visualization and Information Visualization", in: Eigth International Conference on Information Visualization (IV04), London, July.

[6] Burkhard, R., 2004c, "Visual Knowledge Transfer between Planners and Business Decision Makers", in: Van Leeuwen and Timmermans (eds.) Developments in Design & Decision Support Systems in Architecture and Urban Planning, Eindhoven, Eindhoven University of Technology, 193-208.

[7] Burkhard, R. and Meier, M., 2004, "Tube Map: Evaluation of a Visual Metaphor for Interfunctional Communication of Complex Projects", in: Proceedings of I-KNOW '04, Graz, Austria, June 30 - July 2, 449-456.

Links

• http://www.unisg.ch/org/mcm/web.nsf/wwwPubInhalteEng/CCKV?opendocument
• http://www.knowledgemedia.org
• http://www.vasp.ch
• http://www.idiagram.com/
• http://www.delta7.com/

Related Research Areas

Information visualization, Knowledge Management, Knowledge transfer