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Visualization Types

Summary

This chapter covers the various visualization types supported by MicroSims, helping you select the right format for different educational content. You'll learn about animations, charts, graph visualizations, diagrams, simulation displays, interactive demos, data visualizations, 3D models, timelines, network diagrams, map visualizations, and dashboards. Understanding visualization types enables better metadata classification and helps educators find the right MicroSim format for their needs. After completing this chapter, students will be able to categorize and select appropriate visualization types.

Concepts Covered

This chapter covers the following 15 concepts from the learning graph:

  1. Visualization Type
  2. Animation
  3. Chart
  4. Graph Visualization
  5. Diagram
  6. Simulation Display
  7. Interactive Demo
  8. Data Visualization
  9. 3D Model
  10. Timeline
  11. Network Diagram
  12. Map Visualization
  13. Dashboard

Prerequisites

This chapter assumes only the prerequisites listed in the course description. The Visualization Type concept is foundational with no dependencies within this textbook.


Why Visualization Types Matter

Imagine you're teaching the concept of wave interference. You could:

  • Show a static diagram with overlapping waves
  • Animate two waves approaching and combining
  • Create an interactive simulation where students control wave parameters
  • Display a 3D model of wave patterns in a ripple tank
  • Build a chart showing amplitude at different points

Each approach has strengths. Static diagrams work for quick reference. Animations show temporal progression. Simulations enable exploration. 3D models reveal spatial relationships. Charts quantify patterns.

Choosing the wrong visualization type is like using a hammer when you need a screwdriver—you might make progress, but it's frustrating and inefficient. The right visualization type makes concepts click instantly.

This is where visualization taxonomy becomes your superpower. When you understand the landscape of visualization options, you can match each learning objective to its ideal format. And when your metadata accurately describes the visualization type, educators can find exactly what they need.

Let's explore the visualization universe!


What Is a Visualization Type?

A visualization type is a category describing how a MicroSim presents information visually. It's part of the search.visualizationType field in metadata and enables educators to filter for specific formats.

Why Categorize Visualizations?

Reason Benefit
Search filtering "Show me only animations"
Curriculum matching "I need a chart for data analysis unit"
Device planning "3D models need powerful devices"
Time estimation "Simulations take longer than diagrams"
Learning outcome alignment Different types support different Bloom levels

The Visualization Type Taxonomy

Our classification includes 13 major types:

Type Description Best For
Animation Time-sequenced visual progression Showing processes, changes over time
Chart Quantitative data display Comparing values, showing distributions
Graph Visualization Node-and-edge network displays Relationships, connections, dependencies
Diagram Schematic representations Structure, components, relationships
Simulation Interactive model of a system Exploration, experimentation, "what if"
Interactive Demo Guided walkthrough with interaction Demonstrations, tutorials, features
Data Visualization Visual encoding of data patterns Patterns, trends, distributions
3D Model Three-dimensional representations Spatial relationships, physical objects
Timeline Temporal sequence display History, sequences, progression
Network Diagram Interconnected node systems Dependencies, flows, social networks
Map Visualization Geographic or spatial data Location, distribution, movement
Dashboard Multi-metric display panel Monitoring, overview, KPIs

Let's explore each type in detail!


Animation: Bringing Concepts to Life

Animations show change over time through sequenced visual frames. They're the MicroSim equivalent of video—temporal progression is central.

When to Use Animations

Use Case Example
Processes Cell division stages, chemical reactions
Change over time Population growth, climate patterns
Motion Projectile trajectories, wave propagation
Transformations Geometric transformations, state changes
Cause-effect sequences Dominoes falling, feedback loops

Animation Design Principles

Control is crucial: Users should be able to:

  • Play, pause, and restart
  • Adjust speed (slow motion for complex parts)
  • Step frame-by-frame for detailed analysis
  • Jump to specific points

Highlight the essential: Use visual emphasis to direct attention:

  • Color changes for active elements
  • Motion blur for direction
  • Annotations at key moments
  • Reduced complexity for focus areas

Loop thoughtfully: Some animations benefit from loops, others don't:

  • Cycles (pendulum, seasons): Loop naturally
  • Progressions (evolution, history): Don't loop—show completion

Animation vs. Simulation

Animation Simulation
Pre-defined sequence User-controlled parameters
Shows what happens Shows what if
Watch and learn Explore and discover
Passive viewing possible Requires interaction

Example: An animation of a pendulum shows one swing. A simulation lets you change length and see how period changes.

Diagram: Animation Control Panel

Animation Control Interface Design

Type: diagram

Bloom Level: Remember (L1) Bloom Verb: identify

Learning Objective: Students will identify the essential controls of an educational animation interface by examining a well-designed control panel.

Layout: Single-panel diagram showing animation controls

Visual elements: - Sample animation area (wave or pendulum) - Transport controls bar below animation: - Play/Pause toggle button (triangle/two bars) - Restart button (circular arrow) - Step backward button (|<) - Step forward button (>|) - Progress/scrubber bar with draggable position indicator - Speed control slider (0.25x to 2x) - Current time display - Total duration display - Loop toggle checkbox

Labeled callouts for each element: - "Play/Pause: Control animation state" - "Restart: Return to beginning" - "Step: Advance frame-by-frame" - "Scrubber: Jump to any point" - "Speed: Slow for detail, fast for overview" - "Loop: Repeat continuously or play once"

Interactive elements: - Hover over any control to see its purpose - Click controls to see them in action - Try different combinations

Color scheme: - Controls: Dark gray with light icons - Active state: Blue highlight - Scrubber played portion: Blue - Scrubber remaining: Gray

Implementation: p5.js with functional animation controls


Chart: Quantifying Concepts

Charts encode quantitative data visually, making numbers comprehensible at a glance. They're essential for any content involving comparison, distribution, or trends.

Chart Types and Their Uses

Chart Type Best For Example
Bar chart Comparing discrete categories Population by country
Line chart Trends over time Temperature change by year
Pie chart Part-to-whole relationships Budget allocation
Scatter plot Correlation between variables Height vs. weight
Histogram Distribution of values Test score frequencies
Area chart Cumulative changes over time Stack market portfolio

Chart Design Principles

Choose wisely: The wrong chart type can mislead:

  • Don't use pie charts for more than 5-6 categories
  • Don't use 3D effects (they distort perception)
  • Don't truncate axes deceptively

Label clearly:

  • Axis labels with units
  • Legend for multiple series
  • Title stating what's shown
  • Data source if applicable

Use color meaningfully:

  • Consistent colors for same categories
  • Sequential colors for ordered data
  • Diverging colors for positive/negative

Interactive Charts in MicroSims

Static charts show fixed data. Interactive charts enable exploration:

Feature Educational Value
Hover details See exact values without clutter
Zoom Explore dense data regions
Filter Focus on specific categories
Animate Show data changes over time
Compare Toggle series on/off
Export Use data in other contexts

Example: A static bar chart shows 2020 population. An interactive chart lets students filter by continent, hover for exact values, and animate from 1900 to 2020.


Graph Visualization: Mapping Relationships

Graph visualizations (not to be confused with charts/graphs of data) display nodes connected by edges—perfect for showing relationships, networks, and dependencies.

When to Use Graph Visualization

Use Case Example
Social networks Friend connections, communication patterns
Dependency chains Build dependencies, import graphs
Hierarchies Organization charts, taxonomies
Processes State machines, workflow steps
Knowledge graphs Concept maps, semantic relationships

Graph Layout Algorithms

The layout algorithm determines how nodes are positioned:

Algorithm Result Best For
Force-directed Organic clustering General networks
Hierarchical Top-to-bottom tree Hierarchies, flows
Circular Nodes on a circle Showing all connections equally
Grid Regular arrangement Matrices, game boards
Radial Center-outward Ego networks, degrees of separation

Interactive Graph Features

Feature Educational Value
Drag nodes Explore structure, untangle
Hover details See node/edge properties
Zoom/pan Navigate large graphs
Filter Show subset of connections
Highlight paths Trace specific routes
Search Find specific nodes
Graph Visualization Layout Gallery

Type: infographic

Bloom Level: Understand (L2) Bloom Verb: classify

Learning Objective: Students will classify graph layout algorithms by examining examples and identifying when each is most appropriate.

Layout: Gallery grid showing 5 layout types

Visual elements: - 5 panels arranged in grid (2×3, last row centered) - Each panel shows: - Layout name as header - Small sample graph (10-15 nodes) in that layout - Brief description - "Best for" tag - Same node/edge data rendered differently in each

Panel content:

  1. Force-Directed
  2. Nodes pushed apart, edges pull together
  3. Organic, clustered appearance
  4. Best for: General exploration

  5. Hierarchical

  6. Top-to-bottom tree structure
  7. Clear levels visible
  8. Best for: Organizational charts, taxonomies

  9. Circular

  10. Nodes evenly spaced on circle edge
  11. All connections visible
  12. Best for: Comparing connection density

  13. Radial

  14. Central node with rings outward
  15. Shows distance from center
  16. Best for: Ego networks, influence spread

  17. Grid

  18. Regular rows and columns
  19. Predictable positioning
  20. Best for: Game boards, matrices

Interactive elements: - Click any layout to see it animated - Toggle: "Same data, different layouts" (morphs between) - Select different sample datasets - Hover for detailed explanation

Animation: - Smooth morphing between layouts when toggling - Nodes animate to new positions - Edges curve and reconnect

Color scheme: - Nodes: Blue with white labels - Edges: Gray, thickness by weight - Selected: Gold highlight - Panel backgrounds: Light gray

Implementation: vis-network.js with layout switching


Diagram: Showing Structure

Diagrams are schematic representations showing how components relate. They simplify reality to highlight essential structure.

Types of Educational Diagrams

Diagram Type Purpose Example
Block diagram System components and connections Computer architecture
Flowchart Process steps and decisions Algorithm logic
Concept map Idea relationships Topic overview
Entity-relationship Data model structure Database schema
Circuit diagram Electronic components Electrical circuits
Anatomy diagram Body part structure Heart chambers
Architecture diagram System layers Software stack

Diagram Design Principles

Simplify appropriately: Diagrams aren't photographs. Remove irrelevant detail while preserving essential structure.

Use consistent conventions:

  • Arrows for direction/flow
  • Shapes for component types
  • Colors for categories
  • Line styles for relationship types

Guide the eye:

  • Reading order (left-to-right, top-to-bottom in Western contexts)
  • Visual hierarchy (size, color for importance)
  • Alignment and spacing for grouping

Static vs. Interactive Diagrams

Static Interactive
Quick reference Deep exploration
Print-friendly Screen-optimized
Single view Multiple perspectives
Labeled once Hover for details

Example: A static heart diagram labels parts. An interactive version lets you click chambers to see blood flow, hover for function descriptions, and toggle overlays (arteries, veins, nerves).


Simulation Display: Exploring Systems

Simulations are interactive models where users manipulate parameters and observe system behavior. They're the most powerful MicroSim type for conceptual understanding.

What Makes a Simulation

A true simulation includes:

  • Model: Mathematical or logical representation of a system
  • Parameters: User-controllable inputs
  • Visualization: Output display showing system state
  • Interactivity: Real-time response to parameter changes

Simulation Use Cases

Use Case What Students Do Learning Outcome
Physics Change mass, observe motion Understand force-acceleration relationship
Ecology Adjust predator population See boom-bust cycles
Economics Modify interest rates Observe market effects
Chemistry Change concentration Watch reaction rates change
Epidemiology Adjust transmission rate Understand R0 and herd immunity

Simulation Design Principles

Make the invisible visible: Simulations can show things impossible in real life:

  • Slow down fast processes
  • Speed up slow processes
  • Visualize abstract quantities (energy, probability)
  • Show hidden mechanisms

Enable systematic exploration:

  • One variable at a time when learning
  • Multiple variables for mastery
  • Presets for interesting scenarios
  • Reset to compare trials

Connect to reality:

  • Use realistic parameters
  • Show units and scales
  • Compare simulation to real data
  • Acknowledge simplifications

Diagram: Simulation Anatomy

Anatomy of a Well-Designed Simulation

Type: diagram

Bloom Level: Analyze (L4) Bloom Verb: examine

Learning Objective: Students will examine the essential components of an educational simulation by identifying and describing each region's purpose.

Layout: Annotated simulation interface with callout labels

Visual elements: - Mock simulation interface showing: - Title bar with simulation name - Main visualization area (central, largest) - Control panel (right side) - Information panel (bottom or left) - Status indicators - Numbered callouts pointing to each region - Callout explanations in a legend

Regions to annotate:

  1. Visualization Area (60-70% of space)
  2. Where the action happens
  3. Shows system state visually
  4. Updates in real-time

  5. Control Panel (15-20%)

  6. Parameter sliders
  7. Mode toggles
  8. Action buttons (Start, Reset)

  9. Information Display (10-15%)

  10. Current values
  11. Calculated outputs
  12. Status messages

  13. Title/Context (5%)

  14. What this simulation models
  15. Learning objectives

  16. Help/Instructions (accessible)

  17. How to use controls
  18. What to observe
  19. Guiding questions

Interactive elements: - Click any region to highlight and see detailed description - Toggle: "Show good vs. bad design" (comparison) - Hover regions for purpose explanation

Color scheme: - Visualization: Blue border - Controls: Green border - Information: Orange border - Annotations: Dark gray

Implementation: p5.js with clickable regions and annotations


Interactive Demo: Guided Exploration

Interactive demos are structured walkthroughs with user participation. Unlike free-form simulations, demos guide users through specific features or concepts.

Demo vs. Simulation

Interactive Demo Simulation
Guided sequence Free exploration
"Follow along" "Experiment freely"
Shows specific features Shows system behavior
Linear or branching path Open-ended
Instruction-focused Discovery-focused

When to Use Demos

Scenario Why Demo Works
Software tutorials Show specific features in order
Onboarding Introduce interface gradually
Concept introduction Build understanding step-by-step
Worked examples Show problem-solving process
Feature tours Highlight capabilities

Demo Design Principles

Progressive revelation: Don't show everything at once

  • Start simple, add complexity
  • Each step builds on previous
  • User confirms understanding before advancing

Active participation: Don't just watch—do

  • "Click this button"
  • "Drag the slider to 50"
  • "Type your name"

Immediate feedback: Confirm correct actions

  • Visual confirmation
  • Encouraging messages
  • Error correction guidance

Data Visualization: Patterns in Numbers

Data visualization encodes data values as visual properties (position, size, color, shape), making patterns perceivable that would be invisible in raw numbers.

Data Visualization vs. Charts

All charts are data visualizations, but data visualization includes more exotic formats:

Beyond Charts What It Shows
Treemap Hierarchical proportions
Heatmap Intensity across two dimensions
Parallel coordinates Multi-dimensional patterns
Sankey diagram Flow quantities between stages
Chord diagram Relationships and their magnitudes
Word cloud Text frequency
Streamgraph Layered time series

Data Visualization Principles

Encode appropriately: Match visual properties to data types

  • Position for precise comparison
  • Length for quantitative values
  • Color intensity for magnitude
  • Hue for categories

Reduce chart junk: Remove non-data elements

  • No decorative graphics
  • Minimal gridlines
  • No 3D effects
  • No excessive colors

Tell a story: Guide attention to insights

  • Highlight key patterns
  • Annotate important points
  • Provide context
  • Answer "so what?"

3D Model: Spatial Understanding

3D models represent three-dimensional objects or spaces, enabling exploration of spatial relationships impossible in 2D.

When 3D Adds Value

Use Case Why 3D Helps
Anatomy Understand organ positions in body
Molecules See bond angles and shapes
Geography Visualize terrain and elevation
Architecture Explore building layouts
Engineering Examine mechanical parts
Astronomy Navigate solar system scale

3D Interaction Controls

Control Action Purpose
Rotate Drag to spin See all sides
Zoom Scroll or pinch Detail or overview
Pan Shift+drag Reposition view
Orbit Arc around object Examine from angles
Explode Separate components See internal structure
Cut Plane slices model View cross-sections

3D Design Considerations

Performance matters: 3D requires significant processing

  • Simplify models for web delivery
  • Provide level-of-detail options
  • Test on target devices
  • Consider fallback for weak devices

Orientation challenges: Users can get lost

  • Provide "reset view" button
  • Show orientation indicator
  • Label key features
  • Use consistent lighting

Accessibility: Not everyone can manipulate 3D

  • Provide preset views
  • Include 2D alternatives
  • Add text descriptions
  • Support keyboard navigation

Timeline: Temporal Sequences

Timelines display events in chronological order, making temporal relationships clear.

Timeline Use Cases

Use Case Example
History Major events in a period
Biography Key life events
Project management Milestones and deadlines
Evolution Species development
Technology Innovation progression
Process Sequential steps with durations

Timeline Design Patterns

Pattern Layout Best For
Horizontal Left-to-right flow Reading-order progression
Vertical Top-to-bottom scroll Long timelines, detailed events
Centered Events alternate sides Dense timelines, visual balance
Parallel Multiple tracks Comparing simultaneous sequences

Interactive Timeline Features

Feature Educational Value
Zoom Overview vs. detail
Filter Focus on event categories
Hover details Rich information without clutter
Link events Show cause-effect relationships
Animate Watch progression unfold
Compare Multiple timelines aligned
Timeline Layout Styles Comparison

Type: infographic

Bloom Level: Understand (L2) Bloom Verb: compare

Learning Objective: Students will compare timeline layout styles by examining examples and selecting appropriate styles for different content types.

Layout: Four-panel gallery showing timeline styles

Visual elements: - 4 panels (2×2 grid) - Each shows same historical data in different style - Brief description below each

Sample data (same for all): - 1990: Event A - 1995: Event B - 2000: Event C - 2005: Event D - 2010: Event E

Panel content:

  1. Horizontal Linear
  2. Events flow left to right
  3. Single line with markers
  4. Labels above/below line
  5. Best for: Simple sequences, limited events

  6. Vertical Scroll

  7. Events flow top to bottom
  8. Full-width event cards
  9. Detailed descriptions visible
  10. Best for: Rich content, long timelines

  11. Centered Alternating

  12. Central spine
  13. Events alternate left/right
  14. Visual balance
  15. Best for: Dense timelines, presentations

  16. Parallel Tracks

  17. Multiple horizontal lanes
  18. Related events aligned vertically
  19. Shows simultaneity
  20. Best for: Comparing multiple sequences

Interactive elements: - Click to see larger example - Toggle: "Same data, different styles" - Select different datasets - Hover for style recommendations

Color scheme: - Timeline spine: Dark gray - Event markers: Blue - Highlighted: Gold - Panel backgrounds: Light gray

Implementation: vis-timeline.js with style switching


Network Diagram: Interconnections

Network diagrams visualize systems of interconnected elements—how components relate, communicate, or depend on each other.

Network Diagram vs. Graph Visualization

These terms are often used interchangeably, but:

Network Diagram General Graph
Often technical context Academic/abstract
Infrastructure, systems Any node-edge data
Specific conventions Flexible representation
Engineering focus Analysis focus

Network Diagram Use Cases

Domain What's Connected
Computer networks Devices, routers, connections
Electrical Components, power flow
Organizational People, reporting relationships
Supply chain Suppliers, factories, customers
Infrastructure Roads, utilities, services

Network Diagram Conventions

Different domains have established visual conventions:

Element Common Meaning
Rectangle Processing/device
Circle Node/endpoint
Cylinder Database/storage
Cloud Network/internet
Arrow Direction of flow
Line thickness Bandwidth/capacity
Color Status or category

Map Visualization: Geographic Context

Map visualizations display data in geographic context—where things are, how they're distributed, and how they move.

Map Visualization Types

Type What It Shows Example
Choropleth Color intensity by region Population density by state
Point map Locations of discrete items Store locations
Heat map Continuous density Crime hotspots
Flow map Movement between places Migration patterns
Proportional symbol Size represents value City population circles
Tile map Equal-area regions Electoral results

When Maps Help Learning

Scenario Why Map Works
Distribution patterns "Most cases are in the north"
Regional comparisons "This state differs from neighbors"
Movement/flow "Trade routes connected these cities"
Spatial relationships "Mountains blocked expansion"
Local context "This happened near you"

Interactive Map Features

Feature Educational Value
Zoom Overview to street level
Pan Explore different areas
Hover details Location-specific information
Layer toggle Compare different data overlays
Animation Show change over time
Filter Focus on specific categories

Dashboard: The Big Picture

Dashboards combine multiple visualizations to provide comprehensive views of complex systems or data.

Dashboard Components

A typical educational dashboard includes:

Component Purpose
KPI cards Key metrics at a glance
Charts Trends and comparisons
Tables Detailed data access
Filters Narrow focus
Status indicators Current state
Alerts Attention needed

Educational Dashboard Use Cases

Context What's Monitored
Student progress Completion, scores, time spent
Class performance Aggregate statistics, comparisons
Simulation state Multiple parameters at once
Lab data Real-time measurements
Project status Milestones, blockers, resources

Dashboard Design Principles

Prioritize: Not everything is equally important

  • Most important metrics largest/top-left
  • Secondary information smaller/peripheral
  • Details on demand

Group logically: Related information together

  • Temporal data in one area
  • Comparisons adjacent
  • Actions clearly labeled

Avoid overload: Dashboards can overwhelm

  • Limit to 5-7 key elements
  • Progressive disclosure for details
  • Clean whitespace
  • Consistent visual language

Diagram: Dashboard Layout Patterns

Educational Dashboard Layout Patterns

Type: diagram

Bloom Level: Apply (L3) Bloom Verb: construct

Learning Objective: Students will construct effective dashboard layouts by selecting and arranging appropriate components for different monitoring needs.

Layout: Interactive dashboard builder with component library

Visual elements: - Left sidebar: Component library - KPI card - Line chart - Bar chart - Pie chart - Table - Map - Filter dropdown - Status indicator - Main area: Dashboard canvas with grid - Right sidebar: Layout templates

Component library items: - Drag-and-drop components - Each with preview and description - Resize handles when placed

Template options: - "Student Progress" (KPIs top, timeline middle, details bottom) - "Class Overview" (comparison charts, ranking table) - "Real-time Lab" (live charts, status indicators) - "Custom" (blank canvas)

Interactive controls: - Drag components from library to canvas - Resize components on canvas - Remove with X button - Save layout button - Load template button - Preview mode toggle

Behavior: - Components snap to grid - Validation: "Dashboard needs at least 3 components" - Preview shows with sample data - Templates auto-populate canvas

Grid system: - 12-column responsive grid - Components span 3, 4, 6, or 12 columns - Auto-arrange on resize

Color scheme: - Component cards: White with shadow - Canvas: Light gray grid - Library: White sidebar - Templates: Blue highlight on selection

Implementation: p5.js with drag-and-drop and grid snapping


Choosing the Right Visualization Type

With 13 types to choose from, how do you pick the right one? Match visualization to learning objective:

Decision Guide

If You Want To... Consider...
Show change over time Animation, Timeline, Line Chart
Compare quantities Bar Chart, Data Visualization
Show relationships Graph, Network Diagram, Concept Map
Explain structure Diagram, Block Diagram
Enable exploration Simulation
Demonstrate features Interactive Demo
Show spatial data Map, 3D Model
Monitor multiple metrics Dashboard
Display hierarchies Treemap, Graph (hierarchical layout)

Bloom Level Alignment

Bloom Level Visualization Types That Fit
Remember Diagrams, Labeled Images
Understand Animations, Concept Maps
Apply Simulations, Calculators
Analyze Data Visualizations, Graphs
Evaluate Dashboards, Comparison Charts
Create Model Builders, Design Tools

The Visualization Selection Checklist

Before choosing, ask:

  • [ ] What is the learning objective?
  • [ ] What Bloom level are we targeting?
  • [ ] Is temporal sequence important?
  • [ ] Are quantities being compared?
  • [ ] Are relationships central?
  • [ ] Is exploration valuable?
  • [ ] What devices will students use?
  • [ ] How much interaction is appropriate?

Key Takeaways

  1. Visualization type categorizes how a MicroSim presents information, enabling search filtering and curriculum matching

  2. Animations show change over time with user control over playback—ideal for processes and transformations

  3. Charts encode quantitative data visually—choose type based on what comparison you're enabling

  4. Graph visualizations display node-edge networks—layout algorithm choice affects perception

  5. Diagrams simplify reality to show essential structure—use consistent conventions and guide the eye

  6. Simulations are interactive models where users control parameters—the most powerful type for conceptual understanding

  7. Interactive demos guide users through features step-by-step—structured rather than open-ended

  8. Data visualizations make patterns visible that would be invisible in raw numbers—encode appropriately

  9. 3D models enable spatial understanding—consider performance and accessibility

  10. Timelines display chronological sequences—choose layout pattern based on detail and event density

  11. Network diagrams visualize interconnections—use domain conventions for clarity

  12. Map visualizations provide geographic context—choose type based on whether showing points, regions, or flows

  13. Dashboards combine multiple visualizations for comprehensive views—prioritize and avoid overload


What's Next?

You now have a taxonomy for visualization types and principles for choosing among them. You can classify MicroSims accurately and select appropriate formats for different learning objectives.

In the next chapter, we'll explore User Interface and Controls:

  • Interaction levels from passive to highly interactive
  • Control widget types (sliders, buttons, dropdowns)
  • Layout patterns for organizing controls
  • Color scheme considerations

The visualization types you've learned here will be brought to life through thoughtful interface design.


Ready to design interfaces? Continue to Chapter 13: User Interface and Controls.