Creating a framework of design principles to improve the effectiveness of interactive information visualisation systems in global health emergencies

Interactive information visualisation dashboards have long been considered indispensable tools for data analysis in various industries such as finance and healthcare. These dashboards enable users to effectively examine data and make well-informed decisions that address specific challenges. Understanding complex information presented through interactive visualisation systems quickly and effectively presents an immense challenge to most members of society with limited data visualisation access. Recent years have witnessed an alarming escalation in global health crises that threaten public well-being and life, commanding immediate public attention during these emergencies. Through Internet technology, large quantities of information are rapidly disseminated through digital information systema to ensure accessibility of outbreak data for everyone involved in health emergencies worldwide. Preventing viral infections and managing panic are also of critical importance, where poor communications of information could result in misinformation and lead to further distress during pandemic outbreaks. Therefore, this study seeks to explore key design factors which affect the efficiency and efficacy of interactive information visualisation systems used for information dissemination. To meet this challenge, the goal of this framework is to provide users - visual designers and front-end engineers alike - a platform on which to improve interactive information visualisation system outputs from a public viewpoint. Research began with an extensive literature review to provide the theoretical grounding necessary for further investigation, culminating in a framework of design principles for interactive information visualisation systems derived from this phase. Interviews followed, which were held with users experiencing epidemic scenarios to understand their information needs and suggestions before categorising all principles into seven user-centred dimensions. These included structural considerations, colour schemes, typography, design elements, information presentation, interactive features and visualisation components. This was followed by an exhaustive evaluation of previous visualisation examples disseminated during health crises to confirm the validity of the principles framework and to serve as a precursor to the direction setting of the subsequent experimental phase. User performance experiments, supplemented by interviews, were then conducted to identify key design constraints that impact on the user's reading and information comprehension processes. The findings highlight the critical role of well-structured layouts in interactive information visualisation systems and the delivery of information through interaction in enhancing public information consumption and comprehension. Specifically, the use of interactive features to present information across multiple levels underscores the prominence of compact, mouse-swipe-free visualisation layouts. Such a layout facilitates quick retrieval and comparison of user information. In addition, the close juxtaposition of visualisation components with those interwoven with relevant information, such as maps, tables and bar charts, was emphasised to facilitate the effective observation of data links during the interaction. It is also important that the presentation of information after the interaction adheres to established information design principles without confusing the views of the original components. These empirically based findings make a substantial contribution to the field of information presentation and visual design in interactive information visualisation systems (especially those aimed at the public). Adherence to a framework of principles can maximise the effectiveness of interactive information visualisation systems in information presentation, giving them the potential to support disease prevention initiatives and proactive public health.