Reaction: Distributed Cognition as a Theoretical Framework for Information Visualization

Distributed cognition, a theoretical framework, a branch of cognitive science that proposes that human knowledge and cognition are not confined to the individual. Instead, it is distributed by placing memories, facts, or knowledge on the objects, individuals, and tools in our environment.

In many ways, I think the authors' argument that DCog provides a more useful frameworkto address the central issues of representation and interaction than does the traditional cognitive science frameworks, is valid. Attributing the cognition aspect totally on the human individuals, in many ways seem to me as an improper model of the actual process of visualization of the information.

We should realize that distribute cognition, can be found in our daily activities. For example, when a couple of people are trying to understand a complex algorithm. The persons share their thoughts and approach towards the problem, and may further use the paper and pencil to write down their understandings and successfully reach to the solution of the problem.