Computational methods to enable effective visualisations

At different times in history, visual communication has changed dependent upon the prevailing understanding and technology available for that period. The visualisations created by designer and artist are not just a simple response to their individual experience. They are ordered, coded and styled according to conventions which are developed through the tools and processes available at the time. This PhD submission reports investigations into the effective creation of visual communications using contemporary digital methods. The author’s overall aim was to develop a new methodology and toolset to assist designers in creating tangible outputs from 3D data.

A collection of 11 publications by the thesis author, and his co-authors, is presented along with 10 artistic productions that support the research enquiry. The research publications spanning from 2005 to 2017 add to the body of knowledge in the effective use of digital methods for visual communication. In addition, to the written works, the author has also produced a number of peer reviewed original creative works. These were based on the substantial development of a bespoke 3D eye-tracking software and scanning methodology. This methodology enabled the author to use eye-tracking technology and captured data to create unique, 3D artworks. From the literature review undertaken (confirmed by peer reviews of the publications) it appears that eye-tracking has never previously been used as a basis to create 3D sculptural work, so the scholarly work that informed the artworks is instrumental in adding to the body of knowledge.