Visualizing Conversation
本文讨论如何设计图形界面来揭示持续对话（如新闻组、邮件列表、聊天记录）中的社会结构，通过可视化活动爆发、新成员加入、话题演变等模式，并以Chat Circles和Loom两个项目为例探讨关键问题。
Although the archive of text generated by a persistent conversation (i.e. newsgroup, mailing list, recorded chat, etc.) is searchable, it is not very expressive of the underlying social patterns. In this paper we will discuss the design of graphical interfaces that reveal the social structure of the conversation by visualizing patterns such as bursts of activity, the arrival of new members, or the evolution of conversational topics. Our focus is on two projects: Chat Circles, a graphical interface for synchronous conversation and Loom, a visualization of threaded discussion. Through these examples we will explore key issues in the generation, design and use of graphical interfaces for persistent conversations.