How Visualisation and Interaction Can Optimize the Cognitive Processes Towards Big Data

Abstract

In recent decades, large amounts of data became essential parts of daily work and life such that the rise of big data movements was inevitable. However, is everybody able to see what the data really means? Is everybody able to extrapolate the right information from the jungle? Maybe yes, but most probably no if he or she is not an expert. In parallel, the spread of interactive devices, stationary and mobile, has the potential to improve and ease information retrieval processes. On top of both developments, human-computer interaction (HCI) and of visualization have a great impact on the cognitive process to understand and interpret big data. In this respect, a new method for gathering data via easy-to-use interfaces and intuitive visualization is presented. This chapter also presents an example of how interaction with the new devices enhances the cognitive processes of memorizing the information.