Abstract: A method is provided whereby combinations of ecologically valid images and sounds are used for visualization of large amounts of information. Icons and sounds are selected and combined to accentuate natural recognition of pattern information and changes. A visual field of similar icons represents a corresponding field of data sets, where the appearance of each icon illustrates the respective values of the underlying data. Within each icon, elements change in shape, size, number, color, and motion to illustrate the respective changes of data within the corresponding data set. Stereophonic sound occurrence, spatial location, type, and volume signal the user about the general situation, as well as the type and importance of individual data changes, stimulating the user's attention during events of interest.