Features of conceptual blending in the context of visualisation

Abstract

Computational creativity is a multi-disciplinary area of research that investigates what aspects of computing can be considered as an analogue to the human creative process. One premise is that humans come up with new concepts or creative ideas by combining two or more other concepts together. Conceptual blending is one of the creativity theories that has been modelled by computer programs attempting to emulate creativity. The current paper is part of a larger project that wishes to explore whether computer programs that automate the creation of data visualisations – such as pie charts, bar graphs and time series plots – can be enhanced by artificial intelligence methods that model human creative processes. One objective of the larger project is to explore and describe conceptual blending – and the techniques used to implement conceptual blending – in the context of applicability to visualisation. Metaphor emerges as a frequent emergent feature of conceptual blending with potential for creating useful visual features. Compression of information and iteration are shared and potentially exploitable features.