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Information visualizations can improve collaborative problem solving, but this improvement may depend on whether visualizations promote communication. My research goals are (1) to understand information exchange in distributed collaborations when collaborators share different data, expertise, or perspectives on problems, (2) to study the impact of different kinds of visualizations on information sharing, and (3) to build and evaluate visualization tools that lead to better information sharing and problem solving in virtual collaborations. In particular, I am building an application that uses machine learning algorithms to identify the current conversation topic between partners in real-time. This information will be passed to an information visualization tool, which will update its view by visually highlighting relevant data or patterns to the current discussion topic.
Balakrishnan, A.D., Fussell, S., Kiesler, S. (2008). Do visualizations improve synchronous remote collaboration? CHI 2008. NY: ACM Press.
This research addresses factors that influence risk perceptions, and particularly the manner in which depictions of disaster through both official and unofficial channels of communication affect risk perceptions and decisions. I am conducting a national survey funded by the National Science Foundation TESS program to explore how photographic images of disasters are particularly important in changing risk perceptions of those who live in areas likely to be hit by those disasters.
The impact of unsustainable practices on the planet and its inhabitants is becoming increasingly apparent. Consumers make choices daily that shape commerce and industry away from or towards sustainable practices. The goal of this project is to examine design factors in technology made to persuade people to make choices that support environmental sustainability. The research apparatus is a web site for finding cooking recipes.
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