Clustering to synthesize and scattering to reveal. Interactions and animations in the visualization of complex hierarchical data in Atlante Calvino

When working with data of a predominantly quantitative nature, aggregation and disaggregation are two well-known operations we can perform to discover patterns. However, the approaches above are hampered when working with data that embeds exceptions and individualities, often appearing in diverse fields such as contemporary urbanism cartography, forensic investigations, or digital humanities. Comparing the micro with the macro and bridging close with distant reading appear as open challenges for visualization research. In this context, animated transitions support audience understanding: they demonstrate and explain how individual graphical elements are combined to create clusters and how clusters are unbuilt to reveal descendant nodes. In this paper, we discuss three case studies from the design experience of Atlante Calvino which address the above issues in the field of literary criticism. Specifically, the contribution focuses on describing designerly means of data collection and employment of animated transitions in support of the inquiry of literary criticism.