arXiv:2412.14176v1 Announce Type: cross
Abstract: Big data visualization – the visual-spatial display of quantitative information culled from huge data sets – is now firmly embedded within the everyday experiences of people across the globe, yet scholarship on it remains surprisingly small. Within this literature, critical theorizations of big data visualizations are rare, as digital positivist perspectives dominate. This paper offers a critical, design-informed perspective on big data visualization in wearable health tracking ecosystems like FitBit. I argue that such visualizations are tools of individualized, neoliberal governance that operate largely through experiences of seduction and addiction to facilitate participation in the corporate capture and monetization of personal information. Exploration of my personal experience of the FitBit ecosystem illuminates this argument and emphasizes the capacity for harm to individuals using these ecosystems, leading to an exploration of the complex professional challenges for user experience designers working on visualizations within the ecosystems of wearables.
The Rise of Big Data Visualization
In today’s digital age, big data visualization has become an integral part of our everyday lives. By visually representing vast amounts of quantitative information from massive data sets, these visualizations provide valuable insights and facilitate data-driven decision making. However, despite its widespread use, the scholarship and critical analysis of big data visualization remains limited.
One prevailing viewpoint within the field of big data visualization is the digital positivist perspective, which focuses on the technical aspects and objective analysis of data. However, this perspective fails to offer a critical examination of the societal implications and ethical considerations associated with big data visualizations.
The Critical Perspective on Big Data Visualization
In this paper, the author presents a design-informed perspective on big data visualization within a specific context: wearable health tracking ecosystems like FitBit. The author argues that these visualizations serve as tools of individualized, neoliberal governance. They operate by seducing and addicting users, fostering their participation in the corporate capture and monetization of personal information.
This critical perspective sheds light on the potential harm that individuals may experience while using these ecosystems. By focusing on experiences of seduction and addiction, the author highlights the manipulation and exploitation of personal data for corporate gain.
The Interdisciplinary Nature of the Topic
This analysis of big data visualization in wearable health tracking ecosystems demonstrates the multi-disciplinary nature of the concept. It encompasses aspects of technology, design, social sciences, and ethics. It considers the technical design of visualizations, the power dynamics between corporations and individuals, and the ethical implications of data capture and monetization. By examining these intersecting fields, this research offers a holistic understanding of big data visualization beyond its technical foundations.
Implications for Multimedia Information Systems
Big data visualization plays a central role in multimedia information systems. It provides a visual avenue for presenting complex information to users, enhancing their understanding and decision-making processes. However, this critical analysis reveals the potential risks associated with this technology. Designers of multimedia information systems should consider the ethical dimensions of data capture, as well as the potential for user manipulation and exploitation.
Link to Animation, Artificial Reality, Augmented Reality, and Virtual Realities
Although this paper does not specifically discuss animation, artificial reality, augmented reality, or virtual realities, these concepts are closely related. Visualization techniques used in big data visualization can also be applied to these immersive technologies. By leveraging animations, artificial reality, augmented reality, and virtual realities in conjunction with big data visualization, these immersive experiences can provide even deeper insights and engagement for users.
The Future of Big Data Visualization
As big data continues to grow exponentially, the field of visualization will become increasingly vital. It is crucial for researchers and designers to continue exploring the critical implications and potential harms associated with big data visualizations. By adopting a design-informed, ethical perspective, we can ensure that these visualizations benefit individuals and society as a whole without succumbing to the seductive allure of corporate capture and monetization.
“In a world where big data rules supreme, critical perspectives on visualization are essential to guide the responsible and ethical use of personal information. Understanding the intricate relationship between technology and society is key to designing meaningful and empowering visualizations.”