After the storm: considerations for information visualization

Scientific visualization strives to present complex concepts and data in graphic forms that maximize information gain for the viewer. In this study, we examine a well-known and highly regarded example of scientific visualization, identifying scenes where principles of graphic design, perception, and cognition suggest improvements. We focus on the identification of primary and supporting elements, provision of cues for spatial and temporal context, effective use of color, and the careful use of animation. The guidelines discussed here generalize and can be useful in a wide variety of applications.