Scientific Background
Our approach to visual analytics research requires integrating the cognitive science of human perception, reasoning, communication, problem solving etc. with the design and evaluation of interactive visualization for complex datasets, often with uncertain data in tasks that may require addressing ill-defined "wicked problems".
Cognitive Psychology and Behavioral Science
Cognitive psychology explores how individuals perceive, process, and store information, emphasizing mental processes such as memory, attention, and problem-solving. Behavioral science, on the other hand, investigates observable actions and reactions, guiding the understanding of user behaviors in response to technological stimuli. By integrating principles from behavior science, designers can shape interfaces to encourage desired user behaviors and facilitate more effective decision-making processes within technological environments.
What is Integrated Science?
Analysis and decision-making in today’s highly complex environment often requires the consensus of multiple stakeholders with different perspectives and areas of expertise working with massive datasets. This is as true for technology design teams as it is for decision-makers in organizations and society. The integrated science lab is developing collaborative, interdisciplinary, and co-design methods for our own work, using these methods to co-develop methods and supporting technologies to enable organizations to use similar approaches to address their own problems and opportunities.
School of Interactive Arts and Technology (SIAT)
SFU SIAT is known for its interdisciplinary approach to education and research at the intersection of technology, design, and the arts. SIAT is dedicated to fostering creativity, innovation, and critical thinking in its students and researchers. It combines various fields such as computer science, design, media arts, and social sciences to explore and create interactive technologies and experiences.
HIBAR (Highly Integrative Basic And Responsive Projects)
The HIBAR Research Alliance (HRA) is a volunteer-driven organization of individuals and institutions that recognize that today’s universities can and should engage more effectively with the research and innovation ecosystem as a whole, strengthening academic excellence while also addressing the needs of society.
Our efforts focus on Highly Integrative Basic And Responsive (HIBAR) projects. These projects are co-led by academic researchers and societal experts, embracing the academic character and purpose of basic research while addressing a societal challenge.