Evaluating DataPhysIT: An Image-Schema-based Toolkit to support Data Physicalisation Design

A physical data representation may facilitate a more meaningful communication and understanding of data. Nevertheless, existing data physicalisations do not fully realise their potential. To foster the design of data physicalisations, we recommend image schemas. Image schemas are abstract representations of experienced interactions with the environment and showed to support interface design. Incorporated in the Data Physicalisation Inspiration Toolkit (DataPhysIT), image schemas may also work as tool to facilitate data physicalisation design. In this paper we present the evaluation of the DataPhysIT employed in the data physicalisation design process. To research the toolkit's utilisation, effect on design action, and generated ideas, both qualitative and quantitative data were gathered. The results demonstrate that the toolkit was widely accepted, works as inspiration and provides structure to the design process. It reduces the perceived effort and facilitates more intuitive and tangible ideas.