From the Editor

The Journal's Internal Compass (2008-2010)

The earliest titles in this collection largely reflect a period of internal focus and self-assessment for the publication itself. Themes revolve around editorial changes, defining the scope, and broadly charting the direction of computer graphics as a field. For instance, titles like "Editorial Board: Additions and Subtractions," "CG&A's New Associate Editor in Chief," and "Goodbye, Hello" underscore significant personnel transitions. Simultaneously, "Our Departments: Charting the Path of Computer Graphics" and "Snapshots of the State of the Field" suggest a concerted effort to define the journal's role and survey the current landscape of the discipline it covers. This period is marked by an inward-looking perspective, setting the stage for future developments.

Expanding Horizons and Foundation Building (2011-2013)

Following a phase of internal organization, the titles from 2011 to 2013 indicate a period of active expansion and deeper exploration of foundational concepts within computer graphics and visualization. There's a clear emphasis on establishing new academic departments and welcoming fresh leadership. Titles such as "A New Department and a Panel Discussion" and "The New Education Department and Editorial Board Members" highlight the journal's efforts to broaden its coverage and support emerging areas. Notably, "Exploring Visualization Theory" and "Encouraging the Use of Visualization Technology" point to a growing interest in the theoretical underpinnings and practical application of visualization techniques. The introduction of "A New Department: Spatial Interfaces" in 2012 signals a specific new area of focus. This period culminates with significant leadership changes, as seen in "Introducing the New Editor in Chief" and "Introducing a New Associate Editor in Chief," signaling "A New Wave" for the publication and, by extension, the field.

Reflecting on Legacy and Core Concepts (2014-2015)

This period marks a shift from purely internal journal operations to a more reflective and forward-looking stance on the field of computer graphics and visualization itself. Many titles celebrate past achievements while also re-evaluating fundamental principles and looking to the future. "Visualizing 20 Years of Applications" clearly indicates a significant milestone and a look back at the practical impact of the field. The re-emergence of core technologies is humorously yet pointedly captured by "3D Is Back!", suggesting a renewed interest or re-affirmation of foundational concepts. Titles like "Core Values" and "Back to the Future" further underscore this blend of introspection and future vision. By 2015, the themes expand to include community building ("M1C2: Experiments in Community Building through Collaborative Research Dissemination") and more abstract concepts like "Interacting with Diverse Realities," along with continued interest in "Spatial Interfaces." The "Future Directions in Computer Graphics and Visualization" title explicitly states a strategic focus on what lies ahead for the discipline, moving beyond the journal's internal workings.

Specialization and Practical Application (2016-2018)

The most recent years covered by these titles show a noticeable trend towards specialization within visualization and a stronger emphasis on the practical application and human element of technology. Titles like "Scientific Visualization" (2016) and "Information Visualization" (2017) highlight a distinction and focus on specific sub-disciplines within the broader field, suggesting a maturation where different data types and application domains warrant specialized attention. "Human Touch in Digital Experiences" emphasizes the user-centric aspect, indicating a move beyond mere technical capability to the quality of human interaction with digital tools. This period culminates with "Building Bridges between Research and Applications" in 2018, a title that clearly articulates a key goal: to close the gap between academic research and its real-world utility, showcasing a field increasingly concerned with impact and practical implementation.