back to list

Project: Gamification of Visual Analytics Education

Description

Visual analytics is a multidisciplinary field that combines data analysis, human-computer interaction, and visualization to support analytical reasoning. While powerful, its concepts can be abstract and challenging for students to grasp, especially when transitioning from theoretical foundations to practical applications.

This project explores the gamification of visual analytics education through the design and development of a card game or other interactive game-based learning tool. The goal is to create an engaging, hands-on experience that helps students internalize key concepts such as:

  • Data types and encoding strategies
  • Interaction techniques
  • Analytical workflows
  • Visualization design principles
  • Evaluation and interpretation of visualizations

The game will be designed to support both individual and group learning, and may include elements such as:

  • Challenge cards that present data analysis scenarios
  • Tool cards representing visualization techniques or interaction methods
  • Outcome cards that reflect the effectiveness of chosen strategies
  • Role-play mechanics to simulate real-world analyst tasks

The project will involve:

  1. Researching educational needs in visual analytics and existing gamification strategies.
  2. Designing game mechanics that align with learning objectives.
  3. Prototyping the game, either physically (e.g., card game) or digitally (e.g., web-based or mobile game).
  4. Evaluating the game through user studies with students and educators.

Objectives

  • Develop a game that supports active learning of visual analytics concepts.
  • Evaluate its effectiveness in improving student understanding and engagement.
  • Provide design guidelines for gamified educational tools in data visualization.

Requirements

  • Interest in visual analytics, education, and game design.
  • Basic programming skills (if opting for a digital prototype).
  • Creativity and willingness to iterate based on user feedback.

Deliverables

  • Game design documentation
  • Working prototype (physical or digital)
  • Evaluation report based on user testing
  • Recommendations for future development

References

  • https://visgames2025.netlify.app/

Details
Student
FW
Faye van Wijngaarden
Supervisor
Fernando Paulovich
Secondary supervisor
Huub van de Wetering