  We introduce Artifact-Based Rendering (ABR), a framework of tools,
algorithms, and processes that makes it possible to produce real, data-driven
3D scientific visualizations with a visual language derived entirely from
colors, lines, textures, and forms created using traditional physical media or
found in nature. A theory and process for ABR is presented to address three
current needs: (i) designing better visualizations by making it possible for
non-programmers to rapidly design and critique many alternative data-to-visual
mappings; (ii) expanding the visual vocabulary used in scientific
visualizations to depict increasingly complex multivariate data; (iii) bringing
a more engaging, natural, and human-relatable handcrafted aesthetic to data
visualization. New tools and algorithms to support ABR include front-end
applets for constructing artifact-based colormaps, optimizing 3D scanned meshes
for use in data visualization, and synthesizing textures from artifacts. These
are complemented by an interactive rendering engine with custom algorithms and
interfaces that demonstrate multiple new visual styles for depicting point,
line, surface, and volume data. A within-the-research-team design study
provides early evidence of the shift in visualization design processes that ABR
is believed to enable when compared to traditional scientific visualization
systems. Qualitative user feedback on applications to climate science and brain
imaging support the utility of ABR for scientific discovery and public
communication.
