This dissertation focuses on the development of visualization methods that enable us to examine longitudinal data in a unique way. We take inspiration from statistical and fluid mechanics to represent our data as a "flow" through time. Our visualizations represent vector fields (or flow plots), streamlines, and trajectories, and they are constructed in a similar manner to how one might analyze the aggregate motion of particles in a fluid. However, the subject of our research extends beyond ordinary fluid mechanics. We will use our visualizations to examine statewide standardized test scores in Texas from 2003 to 2011. The nature of the data makes it a perfect match for our methodology, since students' test scores tend to change over time in a semi-deterministic but nonlinear manner. Furthermore, our methods represent a departure from the standard ways of analyzing educational data. By visualizing the changes in students' test scores over a nine-year period, we discovered that our flow plots were changing with the eventual graduating class of 2012. The change in our visualizations was caused by an educational policy known as the Student Success Initiative, or SSI. The policy forced students to pass their standardized tests in 5th and 8th grade, or risk being held back a grade. To help with this process, students who initially failed were given extra instruction and additional opportunities to take the test. SSI was implemented in such a way that it would affect the class of 2012 and beyond, although we did not know of the program's existence until our plots had been developed. SSI had a successful impact on the educational career of Texas students; a far greater percentage of students were able to pass the 5th and 8th grade standardized tests after SSI was implemented. The striking feature of SSI, however, is that it also significantly improved test scores in 6th, 7th, 9th, and 10th grade. Despite its success at improving test scores over many years and grades, the program was eventually defunded. This was partially due to an inability to construct a lengthy longitudinal analysis of the program's influence. Our methodology would have conclusively shown the effectiveness of the SSI policy. Despite the defunding of the SSI, I am confident our methodology can be extended to illustrate changes in other data systems. These systems may or may not be related to education; our code and techniques are designed to be as universal as possible. We will explore several extensions to other data sets at the end of this dissertation. / text

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Context. Augmented Reality (AR) is a technique that provides additional and varied information to a real environment. The compatibility to smartphones makes AR applications suitable for location based, social, advertisement as well as education oriented applications. Objectives. This study explores if AR is a suitable method of information visualization that can enhance User Experience(UX) comparedto more traditional methods. The information this project focuses on is 3D model and animation information. Methods. This work utilizes a comparative experiment where subjects get to test and evaluate two prototypes, one consisting of static, rendered images and a video and the other being an interactive mobileAR application. Results. Results were gathered with the Attrakdiff™ User Experience questionnaire and an interview. Conclusions. The experiment showed that there is a possibility to enhance user experience when visualizing 3D model and animation information with the help of mobile AR applications.

For my MFA, I have decided to explore data visualization not as an automated technology but as a craft—a systematic and precise practice done entirely by hand. Though the craft-based approach is not appropriate for all types of data creation and visualization, as an investigatory tool it grants a level of access and intimacy lacking in computerized analyses. I discuss the limitations and benefits of this type of approach, as well as provide an overview of key influences and precedents. I have also included select projects developed over the course of my studies that highlight my use of data visualization for a range of subjects and intents, including reading piano sheet music more easily and investigating a photographer’s compositional process. The report concludes by projecting how this craft-based approach for data visualization may be integrated with an automated method. / text

Transportation projects are unique projects that have many issues such as ROW acquisition, traffic control, and utilities. To help solve some of these issues projects should utilize constructability. Over the past 25 years research on constructability has consistently shown to have substantial cost and schedule benefits. To fully obtain those benefits, constructability should be utilized from the very beginning of the project at the conceptual planning phase. One of the tools to support implementation is 3D and 4D visualization. The benefits and applications of 3D and 4D for transportation project research is still lagging behind building projects. This thesis aims to provide a frame work for how 3D and 4D visualization could have an impactful role if used in the early planning and design process. Two case studies are used for developing that frame work, the Woodall Rodgers Deck Plaza and the Eastern Extension of President George Bush Turnpike projects in Dallas, Texas. Information taken from interviews of Texas Department of Transportation staff are used to develop a list of issues for each project, as well as the impacts those issues have had on the project. For each of those issues a proposal of how using 3D and 4D visualization could help mitigate those issues when implemented during the early planning phases. / text

published_or_final_version / abstract / Mechanical Engineering / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

published_or_final_version / abstract / toc / Mechanical Engineering / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

published_or_final_version / Mechanical Engineering / Master / Master of Philosophy

published_or_final_version / Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering / Master / Master of Philosophy

published_or_final_version / Mechanical Engineering / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy