Page 22 - OIT Progress Report: 2023 Edition

expressed over 11,000 times. Dr. Adam Norris shared, “Human brains cannot make sense from a data table of 30,000 genes across dozens of cell types. But the power of data visualization is that this enormous dataset is suddenly rendered interpretable by human brains. The ability to condense vast amounts of data into a simple interactive visualization will allow our research team to make connections and provide insights that would otherwise be impossible. We are already doing follow-up experiments based on observations made using this data visualization. This visualization will also be helpful as a way for other researchers in the field to interface with our large datasets in a user-friendly way.”
Working with Department Chair and Associate Professor of Anthropology Dr. Michael Adler, the team built a visualization model of the archeological site, Picuris Pueblo. The visualizations include charts describing the timeline and frequency of artifacts, years, area, and depth. Yet again, this is an example of using visualizations to provide innovative mechanisms for data.
As Edward Tufte indicated, data graphics can be the most powerful tool for certain datasets. We welcome other research data visualization opportunities from the SMU research community.
The team built several dashboards leveraging the data within STABLE to illustrate support trends, space utilization, and more. Rather than granting access to STABLE directly, we present data in a way that answers their questions without having to train users on how to use the application.
20 OIT PROGRESS REPORT 2023
Below are several of the valuable STABLE dashboards and features we have built:
» Facilities: Designed for facilities management personnel to review trends, issues, and identify capacity issues more clearly across the trades.
» Financial: Focused primarily on the financial charges for both facilities and technology purchases.
» Events: Dashboard outlining trends in event scheduling as well as provided visibility to the types of activities planned for each event across campus.
» Inventory: Computer inventory list of SMU devices and eligibility dates for replacement under the technology fund.
» Reservations: Classroom utilization using the reservations within STABLE to highlight availability of rooms and utilization of our classrooms across the course grid.