Visualization on Spherical Displays: Challenges and Opportunities

Spherical displays offer unique characteristics that can enhance perception and provide a natural environment for geo-visualization. Recently, digital artists have begun using the curvature of these displays to create art that works with the medium. These displays are mainly used for outreach and education in public spaces such as museums and focus exhibits where researchers, journalists and artists can have a far-reaching outlet for data, information and art, dissemination and presentation. The form factor of the display is well-liked and understood by the general masses. In this paper, we focus primarily on the challenges and opportunities of the spherical display format in public and educational venues. We present critical design considerations for works created for a spherical display and provide examples from different domains.