Vocab Term: Closed/Exploratory Interactivity

Definition: This involves the relationship between two or more objects. In terms of proximity, there is either a closely linked relationship or some other loosely interpreted meaning when objects are distanced from one another. The more two or more objects appear farther apart, the more users are restricted to navigating to certain kinds of content that may be unrelated to other objects. When design or data is structured in this manner, users are more able to interpret/choose what the qualitative or quantitative data is attempting to communicate.

DH Source: This aspect of interactivity was described by Peter Merchant and Jan Voon Loy. Even though this definition can also apply to non-linear activities, like clicking links in a hypertext novel, it’s also applicable to data visualization because there is sometimes a “beyond-the-object” mode of interactivity. In other words, there isn’t a structured single design that can be immediately understood (Merchant & Looy 304).

Commentary: I chose this definition because there are real-life consequences when closed/exploratory interactivity visualization isn’t considered. The 1986 Space Challenger explosion for instance involved a lack of consideration when it came to visual communication. Without taking into consideration the amount of possible “beyond-the-object” modes of interactivity – individual bias, when it comes to interpretation, can formulate misguided conclusions.

Peter Merchant and Jan Van Looy. “Interactivity.” The Johns Hopkins Guide to Digital Media, Johns Hopkins University Press, 2014.