Data visualization practitioners often lack formal training, resulting in a knowledge gap in visualization design best practices. Large-language models like ChatGPT, with their vast internet-scale training data, offer transformative potential in addressing this gap. To explore this potential, we adopted a mixed-method approach. Initially, we analyzed the VisGuide forum, a repository of data visualization questions, by comparing ChatGPT-generated responses to human replies. Subsequently, our user study delved into practitioners' reactions and attitudes toward ChatGPT as a visualization assistant. Participants, who brought their visualizations and questions, received feedback from both human experts and ChatGPT in a randomized order. They filled out experience surveys and shared deeper insights through post-interviews. The results highlight the unique advantages and disadvantages of ChatGPT, such as its ability to quickly provide a wide range of design options based on a broad knowledge base, while also revealing its limitations in terms of depth and critical thinking capabilities.

翻译：数据可视化从业者通常缺乏正规训练，导致其在可视化设计最佳实践方面存在知识缺口。大型语言模型（如 ChatGPT）凭借其海量的互联网训练数据，在弥补这一缺口方面展现出变革性潜力。为探索这一潜力，我们采用混合研究方法：首先分析可视化设计问题库 VisGuide 论坛，对比 ChatGPT 生成的回复与人类回答；随后通过用户研究深入探究从业者对 ChatGPT 作为可视化助手的反应与态度。参与者携带自身可视化作品与问题，随机先后接收人类专家与 ChatGPT 的反馈，通过体验问卷及后续访谈分享深度见解。研究结果揭示了 ChatGPT 的独特优势与不足——例如其能基于广泛知识库快速提供多样化设计方案，同时也暴露出其在深度与批判性思维能力上的局限性。