The Knowledge Cosmos: An Immersive Platform for Interdisciplinary Research Discovery

Keywords

Large-scale data visualization, Science and technology visualization, User-centered design and evaluation, Knowledge visualization and concept mapping, Interdisciplinary research, 3D and spatial interaction, Visual encoding and design

Abstract

As the volume of scientific literature continues to expand exponentially, traditional research tools struggle to keep pace—often reinforcing disciplinary silos and limiting opportunities for discovery. The Knowledge Cosmos re-imagines research exploration through an interactive, 3D visualization platform that treats science not as a static repository, but as a navigable universe. By spatializing 17 million academic papers based on semantic similarity, the platform enables users to explore the structure of knowledge intuitively, uncover interdisciplinary connections, and identify underexplored intellectual gaps. Drawing on the principles of play, immersion, and serendipity, The Knowledge Cosmos democratizes the bird’s eye view of research and encourages curiosity-driven inquiry across a wide range of users including students, educators, independent thinkers, and lifelong learners. This paper outlines the conceptual foundations, design, and technological infrastructure of the platform, shares insights from preliminary usability testing, and discusses future directions to scale its potential as a catalyst for interdisciplinary exploration and knowledge creation.