Bridging the gaps

Users play a central role in visualization. The ultimate aim of visualization is to provide insight to users, not just to produce images. Since the late 1980s, our field has spent much effort on developing new methods to help users obtain insight, and we have made a lot of progress. Many researchers nowadays use visualization routinely to understand the results of their measurements and simulations. However, many problems still exist, and not every method reaches its intended audience. In recent years, discussion has focused on the position of our field and which goals to pursue. In this article, the author considers the issue from the perspective of the day-to-day practice of academic visualization research