HCI Seminar - Lace Padilla - Seeing the Unknown: Advanced Techniques for Communicating Uncertainty in Data

Abstract:
We live in an uncertain world. From extreme weather hazards to pandemics, forecasters present uncertainty daily. Unfortunately, uncertainty is challenging for both the public and experts to understand, making the effective communication of scientific findings essential. Visualizations can help us interpret complex data by leveraging our visual system’s advanced pattern recognition, allowing us to process vast datasets efficiently. This talk covers cutting-edge uncertainty visualization techniques and cognitive processes that lead to misunderstandings of uncertain forecasts. We'll explore best practices in information visualization to help communicators understand how their choices shape audience perceptions, promoting accessible and ethical communication of future projections.

Bio:
Lace Padilla joined Northeastern University in 2023 as an Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Psychology. Her work sits at the intersection of information visualization, behavioral decision-making, and HCI.  Her research on uncertainty communication explores how to align data visualizations of future events with human decision-making capabilities. She has received numerous honors, including a Best Paper Award at IEEE VIS, the APA Early Career Award, the NSF CAREER Award, and the IEEE VGTC Significant New Researcher Award. She is also PI or Co-PI on multiple grants funded by NSF (#2122174, #2028374, #1810498, #2400471), NIH (#1R01AI188576-01), and the U.S. Department of Energy.

This talk will also be streamed over Zoom: https://mit.zoom.us/j/91341611426.