Exploring the relationship between visual context and affect in diagram interpretation

Matthew Wood*, Susan Stocklmayer

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

    Abstract

    Among the growing body of research on the interpretation of diagrams there appears to have been relatively little attention paid to emotional or attitudinal responses, despite the fact that they may be significant for communicators aiming to stimulate interest, influence attitudes, or motivate action. This research explores the impact on affect of visual context in biological life cycle diagrams. In two qualitative studies, participants viewed decontextualized life cycle diagrams along with diagrams that included a contextual backdrop, and discussed their interpretations, associations, and attitudes toward the diagram content. Thematic analysis of the data revealed that context was associated with an elevated sense of empathy and concern for the animal, and a stronger perception of personal relevance—clear indications that diagram design can have important emotional and attitudinal impacts.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationDiagrammatic Representation and Inference - 10th International Conference, Diagrams 2018, Proceedings
    EditorsGem Stapleton, Francesco Bellucci, Amirouche Moktefi, Peter Chapman, Sarah Perez-Kriz
    PublisherSpringer Verlag
    Pages509-516
    Number of pages8
    ISBN (Print)9783319913759
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2018
    Event10th International Conference on the Theory and Application of Diagrams, Diagrams 2018 - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
    Duration: 18 Jun 201822 Jun 2018

    Publication series

    NameLecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics)
    Volume10871 LNAI
    ISSN (Print)0302-9743
    ISSN (Electronic)1611-3349

    Conference

    Conference10th International Conference on the Theory and Application of Diagrams, Diagrams 2018
    Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
    CityEdinburgh
    Period18/06/1822/06/18

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