Learning from Architects: The Difference between Knowledge Visualization and Information Visualization

Title: Learning from Architects: The Difference between Knowledge Visualization and Information Visualization  

Author: Remo A Burkhard

Year: 2004

Abstract: This paper focuses on an aspect which has been neglected, but which is decisive: The transfer of knowledge to different stakeholders; especially the transfer of insights derived from information visualization tools. In knowledge management the transfer of knowledge is a core process, which can be improved by using our innate abilities to process visual representations. The potential of visualizations are manifold. But business managers miss a holistic framework on the use of visualization methods for information exploration and communication tasks. This paper analyzes how architects use visualizations to amplify cognition

and to transfer knowledge. It introduces a mediating framework that brings together isolated research directions and defines the new research focus knowledge visualization. Knowledge visualization examines the use of visualizations for the transfer of knowledge between at least two peoples. We found that the new focus is decisive and has implications for researchers in information visualization and knowledge management.

My notes: The writing quality of this paper is well above average, I would recommend it to every graduate student (not only information visualisation scholars) as an example of weel organised, original and clear academic writing. It is also a very neat example of a cross-disciplinary work: bridging ideas from one field onto another. After analysing sketches, models and computer representations, the author builds a framework for "knowledge representations": knowledge type, recipient and visualisation type. This framework is (consistently with the area) represented as a Cube where the researcher can select the target values along the three dimensions.