What the Graph

Abstract

This chapter is dedicated to the fourth and last use case of the book, the visualisation of a digital object. Specifically, I analyse two cases of graphical display: user interface (UI) and visualisation of digital material. Following the discussions in the previous chapters, I first present work done towards developing an interface for topic modelling that facilitates critical engagement with the method. I then discuss the conceptual challenges of building UI elements that reflect the adoption of a critical approach to visual display, for instance, by visualising the ambiguities and uncertainties of digital methods. Throughout the chapter, I exemplify how the post-authentic framework can be applied to achieve a mutualistic, symbiotic connection between human and technological processes in visual interactions; this, I argue, helps create a digital conscience and keeps the work honest and accountable. Through the examples, I show how it is in fact through the visual display of the ambiguities and uncertainties of computational methods that the active and critical participation of the researcher is acknowledged as required.