Making maps & visualizations for mobile devices: A research agenda for mobile-first and responsive cartographic design

Abstract

In this article, we present a collective research agenda for mobile-first and responsive cartographic design. The research agenda explicitly focuses on challenges regarding design, and we begin by establishing a partial design space for mobile-first and responsive maps and visualizations, situating these design considerations within the constraints, enablements, and consequences of mobile technology. Specifically, we present 20 research challenges facing mobile-first and responsive cartography and visualization, with research challenges organized by five dimensions (i.e., sets of design decisions) of the design space: (1) scale and generalization, (2) projections, (3) symbolization and visual hierarchy, (4) toponymy and typography, and (5) user interaction. The agenda crosses and organizes a range of research foci in cartography and visualization – such as augmented/mixed reality, indoor/outdoor mapping, egocentrism, focus+context techniques, energy-aware design, glanceable visualization, visual storytelling, UI/UX design, multi-modal and embodied interaction, and inclusive design – centering conceptual, practical, and critical questions for design throughout.