Human-Computer Interaction
Designing Felt Representations of Data
Explore novel approaches to data representation that prioritize bodily and felt experiences, moving beyond object-centered perspectives to unlock richer insights and engagement. This article highlights critical considerations for researchers in HCI and data physicalization.
Key Takeaways for Enterprise Leaders
This analysis highlights how evolving data representation techniques can empower teams, improve decision-making, and foster deeper understanding within your organization. Leverage these insights to drive innovation in data interaction.
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Improved Data Literacy
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Faster Insight Generation
Deep Analysis & Enterprise Applications
Select a topic to dive deeper, then explore the specific findings from the research, rebuilt as interactive, enterprise-focused modules.
Traditional data physicalization often focuses on data embodied in artifacts, where the physical object itself holds the data. This view stems from early work on tangible user interfaces. In contrast, emerging approaches like data somatics emphasize data embodied in a person's body, prioritizing a felt, nuanced human experience through sensory interactions. Understanding this distinction is crucial for designing truly impactful data representations in HCI.
Different understandings of embodiment lead to diverging design outcomes and processes. Object-centered approaches may result in visually legible artifacts like 3D printed bar charts. Bodily approaches, however, can encourage movement-based, kinetic, and proprioceptive experiences that surface situated or emotional aspects of data, fostering deeper learning and critical conversations.
Building on the 'somatic turn' in HCI, new methods like data embodiment and somadata create space to design for people's holistic, affective, and kinesthetic embodied experiences. This shift moves beyond artifact-centric views to leverage the full spectrum of human sensory engagement, offering a richer, more nuanced understanding of data than traditional visualizations alone.
Evolution of Data Embodiment Approaches
Object-Centered Physicalization (Artifact as Body)
→
Tangible User Interfaces (Embodied UI)
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Narrative Physicalization (Bodily & Felt focus)
→
Data Somatics (Movement & Sensory Data Experience)
| Aspect | Object-Centered Embodiment | Bodily-Felt Embodiment |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Data in artifact (e.g., a physical chart) | Data in human body (e.g., felt sensation, movement) |
| Interaction Type | Visual, tactile (with object) |
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| Core Benefit |
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| Example | 3D printed climate model, knitted scarf of delays | Dance performance of data, movement instructions from visualizations |
Case Study: Data Somatics Workshops for Open Source Data
Our workshops demonstrated the power of bodily approaches. Dancers designed movement sequences from simple data visualizations representing online open-source data. The 'audience' then enacted these instructions, creating a physical, felt data experience. This process fostered critical conversations about the data's situated and emotional aspects, which are often masked by traditional methods.
Takeaway: Movement-based approaches significantly enhance data understanding, promote collective sensemaking, and reveal nuanced insights often missed by object-centered representations. They connect users directly to the data through their own bodies, fostering a deeper, more personal engagement.
Estimate Your Potential Impact
Use our interactive ROI calculator to see how improved data literacy and engagement, driven by embodied data representations, could translate into tangible savings and reclaimed hours for your enterprise. Adjust the parameters to fit your organization's context.
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Phased Implementation Roadmap
Our proven methodology ensures a smooth integration of advanced data representation strategies, tailored to your organizational needs. Each phase is designed for optimal impact and minimal disruption.
Phase 1: Discovery & Strategy
Conduct workshops to understand current data challenges and define key objectives for embodied data representations. Identify critical datasets and user groups.
Phase 2: Pilot Design & Development
Develop and test initial embodied data prototypes (e.g., movement scores, interactive physical models) with a small user group. Gather feedback and iterate.
Phase 3: Training & Rollout
Train key personnel and broader user base on new data interaction methods. Deploy refined solutions across relevant departments.
Phase 4: Optimization & Expansion
Monitor impact, collect usage data, and identify opportunities for further integration and expansion of embodied data strategies across the enterprise.
Ready to Transform Your Data Understanding?
Unlock the full potential of your data with innovative, human-centered approaches. Schedule a free consultation to discuss how embodied data representations can revolutionize insight generation and engagement for your team.
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