The Use of Faces to Represent Points in k-Dimensional Space Graphically

TLDR

The paper introduces a novel method for representing multivariate data. The method encodes each k‑dimensional point (k≤18) as a computer‑drawn face, mapping facial features such as nose length and mouth curvature to the point’s components, with brief mention of other graphical representations. The face-based visualization enables humans to readily perceive key regularities and irregularities in the data.

Abstract

Abstract A novel method of representing multivariate data is presented. Each point in k-dimensional space, k≤18, is represented by a cartoon of a face whose features, such as length of nose and curvature of mouth, correspond to components of the point. Thus every multivariate observation is visualized as a computer-drawn face. This presentation makes it easy for the human mind to grasp many of the essential regularities and irregularities present in the data. Other graphical representations are described briefly.