Our system allows to search and compare seven science classifications in force in Poland.
How to present to the user the relationship between the previously independent sets of similar data about science? We decided to tackle this problem using the new trend of presenting large volumes of information – Visual Analytics. It permits the presentation of data from extensive databases in a manner facilitating their interpretation and defining the relationships between them.
The purpose of classification of scientific disciplines is to provide the basis for proper selection of reviewers. Although the science disciplines as the source data are a reasonably consistent set, as a result of different interpretations, divisions and naming conventions, the classifications in force in Poland differ from each other significantly.
The project was divided into several stages:
- development of syntactic connections between classifications of disciplined in force in Poland and present them in the form of so-called mind- map.
- creation of two solutions to visualize the data and allow users to view them.
In a study undertaken by a multidisciplinary team, we used the method of user-centered research through design. The final product, which is an integrated visualization of Polish science classification will be able to be incorporated into various IT projects or databases. It is currently used in theSupport system for the selection of reviewers and on the portalNauka Polska(Polish Science).
Project title: Science classifications