Model representation with aesthetic computing

Abstract

We define a new methodology, aesthetic computing, for customizing discrete structures found in mathematics, programming, and computer simulation. The methodology is presented as a procedure, defined within the context of the semantic web, involving a successive chain of model transformations from a source model to a target model, with the source model being the discrete structure to represent and the target model being the geometric model. We also present an implementation based on this methodology, and a class where empirical studies were performed to assess student perceptions on how customized model structures affected their understanding and preferences regarding visual and interactive model representations. Students appear to prefer the methodology as a way to inject creativity into model building, and to allow them to explore alternative, analogical representations influenced by the fields of aesthetics and the arts.

A discussion on simulations' visualization usage

“…By providing developers and users with an education tool about visualization rhetoric and its considerations may help them overcome some of the issues that have been discussed here. One result from Fishwick's case studies was a common response stating "sometimes you may get too off-track and lose the main meaning of a model in the visual complexity [of the] representation" highlighting the disparity between the data set and the visual representation of it (Fishwick, Davis et al 2005). As Healey and his team point out, visualization is a multidisciplinary study and practice, but most research into visualization has focused on the application side with "relatively few efforts" to formulate "general guidelines for the design of visualization tools" (Healey, Booth et al 1995).…”

Skin

“…To copy otherwise, or republish, to post on servers or to redistribute to lists, requires prior specific permission and/or a fee. In spite of a number of promising efforts [12,14,16,29], aesthetic interaction remains under-theorized [2].…”

Information Technology and Art: Concepts and State of the Practice

“…In [35] Fishwick reports the result of a survey on the usefulness of aesthetic methods on several areas of computer science. The result shows that data structure, algorithms, digital logic, computer architecture was chosen by the respondents as some of the fields where aesthetic computing can be used.…”

“…Fishwick represents a method for customizing discrete structures found in mathematics, programming and computer simulation. In [35] discrete models are transformed to geometric models. Moreover, Adams addresses the importance of teaching aesthetics in engineering education and the role of aesthetics in engineering [37].…”