Logo
ScienceStack
Table of Contents
Fetching ...
Sign In

GerontoVis: Data Visualization at the Confluence of Aging

Zack While, R. Jordan Crouser, Ali Sarvghad

TL;DR

This paper defines GerontoVis as a dedicated subfield at the intersection of aging and data visualization, arguing that older adults remain underrepresented in VIS research. It analyzes root causes, including cascading exclusion criteria, sampling bias, stereotypes, and limited disciplinary diversity, and distinguishes GerontoVis from general accessibility work. A concise survey of 36 aging-related visualization studies highlights age-related perceptual, motor, and cognitive changes that challenge data interpretation and interaction, and it outlines current practices and gaps in visual encoding, contrast, complexity, and sense-making. The authors propose methodological, ethical, and translational opportunities—emphasizing replication, aging-specific literacy measures, and in-the-wild studies—to bridge research and practice and foster inclusive, aging-aware visualization design with broad applicability.

Abstract

Despite the explosive growth of the aging population worldwide, older adults have been largely overlooked by visualization research. This paper is a critical reflection on the underrepresentation of older adults in visualization research. We discuss why investigating visualization at the intersection of aging matters, why older adults may have been omitted from sample populations in visualization research, how aging may affect visualization use, and how this differs from traditional accessibility research. To encourage further discussion and novel scholarship in this area, we introduce GerontoVis, a term which encapsulates research and practice of data visualization design that primarily focuses on older adults. By introducing this new subfield of visualization research, we hope to shine a spotlight on this growing user population and stimulate innovation toward the development of aging-aware visualization tools. We offer a birds-eye view of the GerontoVis landscape, explore some of its unique challenges, and identify promising areas for future research.

GerontoVis: Data Visualization at the Confluence of Aging

TL;DR

This paper defines GerontoVis as a dedicated subfield at the intersection of aging and data visualization, arguing that older adults remain underrepresented in VIS research. It analyzes root causes, including cascading exclusion criteria, sampling bias, stereotypes, and limited disciplinary diversity, and distinguishes GerontoVis from general accessibility work. A concise survey of 36 aging-related visualization studies highlights age-related perceptual, motor, and cognitive changes that challenge data interpretation and interaction, and it outlines current practices and gaps in visual encoding, contrast, complexity, and sense-making. The authors propose methodological, ethical, and translational opportunities—emphasizing replication, aging-specific literacy measures, and in-the-wild studies—to bridge research and practice and foster inclusive, aging-aware visualization design with broad applicability.

Abstract

Despite the explosive growth of the aging population worldwide, older adults have been largely overlooked by visualization research. This paper is a critical reflection on the underrepresentation of older adults in visualization research. We discuss why investigating visualization at the intersection of aging matters, why older adults may have been omitted from sample populations in visualization research, how aging may affect visualization use, and how this differs from traditional accessibility research. To encourage further discussion and novel scholarship in this area, we introduce GerontoVis, a term which encapsulates research and practice of data visualization design that primarily focuses on older adults. By introducing this new subfield of visualization research, we hope to shine a spotlight on this growing user population and stimulate innovation toward the development of aging-aware visualization tools. We offer a birds-eye view of the GerontoVis landscape, explore some of its unique challenges, and identify promising areas for future research.
Paper Structure (32 sections, 2 figures, 1 table)

This paper contains 32 sections, 2 figures, 1 table.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Why has VIS Research Overlooked Older Adults?
  3. Cascading Exclusion Criteria
  4. Non-Representative Sampling Practices
  5. Influence from Stereotypes and Stigma
  6. Limited Disciplinary Diversity
  7. Adjacent Areas of Study
  8. Graphical User Interface Design for Older Adults
  9. Accessible Data Visualization
  10. How Aging May Impact Visualization Use
  11. Perception
  12. Visual Acuity
  13. Visual Search
  14. Color Perception and Contrast Sensitivity
  15. Hearing
  16. ...and 17 more sections

Figures (2)

  • Figure 1: The global population of older adults is expected to surpass the number of children (age 0-14) between 2050 and 2075. Source: WorldPop57:online, CC BY 3.0 IGO.
  • Figure 2: Global estimation of the age-specific prevalence of distance vision impairment. Source: bourne2021trends, CC BY 4.0.