We live in an increasingly complex world where the frequency and severity of critical problems exceed the capability of traditional methods to design and build solutions. New ways of coping with complex systems must leverage massive collaboration among persons, guided by the best analytic resources available. Scalable and elastic virtual environments are required so that large groups of persons can share experiences, mature ideas, and decide on solutions.
The vision is to rally innovators to explore the potential of virtual data worlds. We have plenty of problems to solve with enterprise analytics and big data. We have plenty of technology to apply with massively parallel processing, analytic tools, and now virtual reality. The challenge is the proper application of that technology to those problems.
Focus on Data Worlds
Our focus is the design and creation of virtual data worlds that brings together all the aspects and analyses of a complex system into one coherent environment. The approach of applying 3D visualizations and virtual reality to creating data worlds is quite old, with several decades of history. Current wisdom is that 2D visualization is sufficient and superior to the fancy 3D methods, for which there is research justification. However, there are numerous alternatives yet to be explored. In particular, the subjective feeling of immersion is elusive, and powerful advances in analytics are game changing. Finally, current practices of data visualization and potential advances with immersive analytics are complementary. If we are smart and careful enough, the synergism will result in something greater than the sum than its parts.
Thesis To Be Proven
Immersive Analytics facilitates collaborative decision making about complex business systems, while complementing current business intelligence tools and architecture. How do we prove the business value of IA? How does IA fit within typical IT infrastructures? How can IA leverage and integrate existing IT capabilities? How can IA extend these capabilities into collaborative environments?
Roadmap
Immersive + Analytics = Immersive Analytics
which is realized by Defining, Designing, and Building Data Worlds
by executing this Strategy.