In defense of sandcastles: research thinking through visualization in digital humanities

Uta Hinrichs, Stefania Forlini, Bridget Moynihan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Although recent research acknowledges the potential of visualization methods in digital humanities (DH), the predominant terminology used to describe visualizations (prototypes and tools) focuses on their use as a means to an end and, more importantly, as an instrument in the service of humanities research. We introduce the sandcastle as a metaphorical lens and provocative term to highlight visualization as a research process in its own right. We argue that building visualization sandcastles provides a holistic approach to cross-disciplinary knowledge generation that embraces visualization as (1) an aesthetic provocation to elicit critical insights, interpretation, speculation, and discussions within and beyond scholarly audiences, (2) a dynamic process wherein speculation and re-interpretation advance knowledge within all disciplines involved, and (3) a mediator of ideas and theories within and across disciplines. Our argument is grounded in critical theory, DH, design, human–computer interaction, and visualization, and based on our own research on an exceptional literary collection. We argue that considering visualizations as sandcastles foregrounds valuable insights into the roles of visualization as a mindset, methodology, and praxis within humanities research and beyond.
Original languageEnglish
Article numberfqy051
Number of pages20
JournalDigital Scholarship in the Humanities (DSH)
VolumeAdvance Articles
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 29 Oct 2018

Keywords

  • Digital Humanities
  • Visualization
  • Visualization tool
  • Visualization sandcastle

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