Tableau's Vidya Setlur on How Visual Data Helps Human Understanding
Vidya Setlur is Principal Research Scientist and Research Manager at Tableau Software, a leading data visualization company acquired by Salesforce in 2019, where she focuses on natural language processing and computer graphics. Vidya earned her PhD in Computer Graphics in 2005 at Northwestern University; the goal of her work is to develop new computer algorithms and user interfaces that enhance visual communication and understanding of the semantics of the underlying data. Her research combines concepts and methods from information retrieval, human perception and cognitive science to help users effectively interact with devices and information in their environment. She speaks with us about user intent and human computer interaction, where search is headed in the coming years, and why its important for women in tech to engage young learners.