Ecological/Environmental Data Visualisation? Global Social Index Data Visualisation?
All involve the globe, earth, worldwide map… So that we can spot some indexes on top of this (GRACE, SWOT, The Flight Simulator…)
But normally single channel - we only plot a single globe. Single data. Limited representation. Limited plotting
If we have multiple globes, then we have multiple dimensions. We have a dimension of alternative scenario/speculative scenario. Multiple globes? If we’re plotting 2D globe visualisation, then we have 3D -- If we’re plotting 3D globe visualisation, then we have a fourth dimension to plot!
Speculative example: Each user has its own globe. They plot/activate stuff they want to implement -- and each globe comes out with its own speculative future/simulation. They play with the interaction -- click on the button, implement some speculative scenario, maybe some voice input, accelerometer interaction (even -- phone rotation) -- and their decision makes ecological simulated changes to the globe, some flourishing, some becoming a dead body… So this is a scenario of ‘alternative globes’ -- also what we can incorporate are some graphs to supplement these globe visuals. A status. So a unit consists of: 3D globe in the middle, and multiple graphs surrounding (ideally lower-right? Is it good to have these graphs? Maybe show graphs upon user interaction: globe ←> graphs transition?) So these are each independent unit. But wholistically, there are lots of globes, plotted in grid within the screen, and these globes each have their own situation/simulation. Creating a whole part of the ‘globe system’... Our objective: Not to make it very complicated, but simple, intuitive interaction. This might also cause some competition vibes! Good thing about multiplicity - small multiples. (Might there be some speculative examples on small multiples of the globes?) I want to make it intuitive, easy, and playful for kids!
Another example: Not exactly ‘simulated’ globes, but what if GRACE-like visualisations across the globe are presented across multiple screens - again grid-layout, with each different scenario? This time more complex, entangled experience for adult audiences --- The audience interacts ‘system’, and probabilistically different scenario (i.e. when ipcc makes reports - best, moderate, worst case scenario - smth like that) appears within different globes (say 12 globe - 3X4 grid layout - upper row best, middle moderate, lower row worst case) -- and this globe is full of data visualisation. This data is interactive and also somehow time series, so the interaction itself should be fun and intuitive - user scrolls down/slider adjustment/button adjustment → immediate change occurs within data visualisation which alters the shape of the globe. And this unit globe aggregates… again to form a sort of a system.
Globe -- do they only have to be plotted in grid? Maybe grid layout might be boring. Speculative layout - globe inside globe inside globe inside globe inside globe? 귤껍질과 같은… Or to be more game like: Globe 당구대 상에 있는 구와 같이, 서로 데굴데굴 굴러다니고, 충돌하고? But has clear pros and cons!
Multi-faced | Multiplied Data Visualisation
Good globes, good data visualisation: Ever-evolving, continuously changing, not static. The data is alive, the data actively transforms/evolves → LIke a living creature.
Text written by Jeanyoon Choi
Ⓒ Jeanyoon Choi, 2025