PhD Position F/M Flow-Based Interactive Data Visualization

Data visualization aims to facilitate the understanding of data through graphical representations. Many standard representations, such as bar charts and scatter plots, are widely interpretable, and this standardization is valuable. Yet the space of possibilities for representing data visually is vast and continues to be explored, occasionally revealing representations particularly suited to specific tasks or datasets. Meanwhile, research is increasingly considering visualization designs that optimize not only efficiency but also experiential dimensions such as engagement, visceral understanding, memorability, and emotional response. For example, our group has studied how concrete visualizations in augmented reality can communicate waste production more impactfully [Assor24]. Exploring and studying unconventional visual representations and media for conveying data is therefore essential to improve visual communication and push the boundaries of what is possible in creating engaging and effective public information.

Mission confiée

Objectives of the PhD project

This PhD project investigates a form of visualization that remains largely unexplored in research: flow-based visualization. In this approach, visual flows are used as metaphors to represent data, with quantities conveyed through dynamic visual elements that continuously move in front of the observer. For example, waste production could be represented by garbage moving along a conveyor belt or falling from the sky, while monetary income coulds be represented by an endless sequence of banknotes moving across the screen (see https://neal.fun/printing-money/ for an example). Note that flow-based visualization differs from flow visualization, a widely researched area whose purpose is to visualize flow data, not to use flow as a visual metaphor.

Our research group has already begun studying how requiring users to pan through visual content over extended periods can help communicate large magnitudes [Yang26]. Flow-based visualizations extend this idea by enabling the representation of quantities per unit of time (e.g., tons of waste per day) through uninterrupted visual flows. By representing inherently dynamic quantities (rates) with dynamic visual processes (flows), such visualizations may enable a more direct and intuitive understanding compared to conventional static representations.

Flow-based visualizations can be implemented on standard computer displays, as illustrated by the money-flow example above, but may also be particularly well suited to immersive media such as augmented reality, similar to the work of Assor and colleagues [Assor24]. This project will investigate both contexts.

The research will address both low-level perceptual mechanisms involved in perceiving data through visual flows and higher-level aspects of user experience, including intuitive understanding and emotional response. The project will include a prototyping component focused on designing and implementing functional research prototypes to explore the design space of flow-based visualization techniques. These prototypes will serve as the basis for controlled experimental studies with participants aimed at answering more fundamental research questions. The work will draw on empirical findings and theoretical frameworks from related disciplines such as perceptual psychology, psychophysics, and graphical perception.

References

[Assor24] Assor, A., Prouzeau, A., Dragicevic, P., & Hachet, M. (2024). Augmented-Reality Waste Accumulation Visualizations. ACM Journal on Computing and Sustainable Societies, 2(11), 29.

[Yang26] Yang, L., Ferron, A., Jansen, Y., & Dragicevic, P. (2026). Progressive Value Reading: The Use of Motion to Gradually Examine Data Involving Large Magnitudes. arXiv preprint arXiv:2602.19853.

Principales activités

The selected candidate will contribute to the following activities:

• Literature review
• Definition of a design space for flow-based visualizations
• Prototyping of flow-based visualization techniques (web-based and immersive)
• Design of experimental protocols, including ethics submissions and study preregistration
• Conducting user studies and statistical analysis of results
• Writing and publishing scientific papers

• Strong command of English (reading, writing, and speaking)
• Solid programming skills
• Knowledge or experience with 3D programming tools
• Experience with XR technologies is a plus
• Interest in multidisciplinary approaches (e.g., psychology, design)
• Strong motivation for, and ideally experience with, user-centered approaches
• Knowledge of, or strong interest in, experimental scientific methods, transparent research practices, and open science, * Interest in working on societal issues and working with people
• Rigor, curiosity, and intellectual honesty
• English language proficiency for writing, reading, and discussing (French is not a requirement but will help with paperwork and daily life)
• A strong background in either human-computer interaction, information visualization, and/or experimental psychology is a plus.
• Design and development of interactive systems (e.g., XR, web)
• Programming for controlled user studies and data analysis (R, python)
• Visualization and/or user interface design
• Background and experience in study design

• Subsidized meals
• Partial reimbursement of public transport costs
• Possibility of teleworking and flexible organization of working hours
• Professional equipment available (videoconferencing, loan of computer equipment, etc.)
• Social, cultural and sports events and activities
• Access to vocational training
• Social security coverage

Bivwac is a joint lab between Inria (the French national institute for research in computer science), and CNRS(French National Centre for Scientific Research). It is part of the Inria centre at the University of Bordeaux. Inria is a pure research institution but is affiliated to the University of Bordeaux, which delivers PhD degrees, and where PhD students can engage in optional teaching and undergraduate student supervision. At Bivwac, we study new forms of immersive and interactive visualization experiences aimed at improving the understanding of complex data and phenomena, often in societal contexts. The objective is to build and study tools that help transmit and advance knowledge in order to promote the building of a sustainable and desirable future.