  Glyph-based visualization is one of the main techniques for visualizing
complex multivariate data. With small glyphs, data variables are typically
encoded with relatively low visual and perceptual precision. Glyph designers
have to contemplate the trade-offs in allocating visual channels when there is
a large number of data variables. While there are many successful glyph designs
in the literature, there is not yet a systematic method for assisting
visualization designers to evaluate different design options that feature
different types of trade-offs. In this paper, we present an evaluation scheme
based on the multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) methodology. The scheme
provides designers with a structured way to consider their glyph designs from a
range of perspectives, while rendering a semi-quantitative template for
evaluating different design options. In addition, this work provides guideposts
for future empirical research to obtain more quantitative measurements that can
be used in MCDA-aided glyph design processes.
