Data visualization has emerged as a key scientific discipline in response to the growing volume of information generated by computational calculations. The discipline is divided into two branches: Scientific Visualization, which represents data derived from scientific experiments on physical processes, and Information Visualization, an extension of Human-Computer Interaction designed to interpret and understand data through graphics.
Throughout history, particularly since the 18th century, there has been a growing interest in developing effective methods for information visualization. The evolution of these techniques, as shown in the following image, has advanced significantly, continually improving due to technical sophistication.
Visual Analytics: A New Frontier
Thanks to technological advances in recent decades, the field of Visual Analytics has emerged, defined as the science of analytical reasoning facilitated by interactive visual interfaces. This innovative discipline combines visualization and data analytics, integrating elements from both Information Visualization and Scientific Visualization. Its primary distinction lies in the use of various techniques (such as 2D/3D graphics, geometric transformations, and hierarchical images) and visualization tools (such as tag clouds, motion charts, or dashboards).
Industry 4.0, Digitalization, and the Transition to the “Smart Factory”
At the beginning of the 21st century, digitalization is in full swing, driven by trends such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Smart Cities, and Industry 4.0. This digital era has led to the massive generation of information and databases of all kinds. As a result, technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Big Data are projected as powerful tools to extract value from this information. These technologies allow the combination of unstructured and structured data, offering unprecedented flexibility. This benefits sectors such as physical and social sciences, finance, e-commerce, and industry, turning data into knowledge that enhances decision-making and creates innovative customer experiences.
What Are Data Visualization Tools?
Data visualization tools are applications and software designed to transform complex information into intuitive and easy-to-understand graphical representations. These tools allow users to create diagrams, charts, maps, and interactive dashboards that reveal patterns and trends in large datasets.
For a visualization software to be effective, it must consider the cognitive and perceptual properties of the human brain. Visualization improves the clarity and appearance of the presented information, with goals including identifying hidden patterns or anomalies, increasing flexibility in value searching, comparing data, and facilitating real-time human interaction.
Benefits of Data Visualization
In the industrial sector, the incorporation of IoT sensors is optimizing data collection during production processes, from the exploitation of data from machines and production lines to entire factories.
Data visualization can significantly improve efficiency, centralize monitoring, and provide real-time information for more agile decision-making. Key applications include:
- Self-service analytics improve production, reduce production costs and material expenses, identify bottlenecks, anticipate stock shortages, and enhance agile manufacturing processes.
- Extracting and blending data from various sources facilitates the prediction and optimization of operational and sales plans.
- Understanding customer demand by knowing what they seek.
IMMERSIA's Commitment to Innovation in Data Visualization
Immersive analytics
At IMMERSIA, we understand the need to apply advanced data visualization techniques in the era of Industry 4.0. With our extensive experience in this field, we have developed TOKII, a platform that not only integrates digital twins and emerging technologies but also stands out for its intuitive interfaces and visualizations designed to be cognitively effective.
TOKII, with its advanced technologies, takes data visualization to a new level known as Immersive Analytics. This discipline represents an evolution of Visual Analytics. With our TOKII digital twin software, we ensure that companies can not only see their data but also interact with it in a more intuitive and effective way. By combining virtual reality and other immersive technologies, TOKII turns the complexity of data into valuable information that drives real-time decision-making. For us, the key is to make technology and imagination work together, creating new ways to visualize and process data.
