Natural design can be seen in modern applications through companies releasing ‘Beta’ versions of sites. This way the user can test and feedback any faults or improvements. Companies are constantly updating their software to integrate more features and simplify the processes. We seem to be i a new era of user centred design, with focus on the user and their feedback, rather than companies dictating to the user what they want.
Although wanted to do something in 3D to lead on from my 3D style infographics, it isn’t possible (in the short time left) to create or even mock something up. It was mentioned taking the idea and creating large scale movable furniture, carrying on from the idea of the construction of information layers. Maybe this could be continued after the project?
The paper sculptures just posted by Matt Shilan are a really nice example of mixing 3D paper sculpture with design. I think maybe the idea of a flip book might be a nice way to bring the data to life a bit?
As well as creating visuals with similar colour palettes to tie in with each other, is it also important to create the same types of visualisation to create a continuity throughout a document?
Using an example of dataspheres, should these be mixed in with data blocks? It might be easier to read the data if the graphs are consistent, once you’ve mastered how to read one, it is easier to read the rest. Or does this make the reader bored? Would they prefer to see different types of visualisations in order to keep their attention?
It might possibly depend on the audience. For example if a business man is reading an report with data visualisations, I would imagine that it is easier if the diagrams only used a singular type of data, as it would save him time. Whereas maybe a publication such as a magazine can be more adventurous as people will be reading this during a relaxation period?
Taking the visual posted from Feltron’s annual report, he uses three types. The initial visualisation of a map would fall into the category of a datanet, and beneath he breaks this image down into more detail using data blocks and data spheres, alongside the use of typographic figures.However referring to the point above, this particular report by Feltron would be most likely read in a leisurely way as opposed to a corporate report.
Possible to do some experiments on this?
Struggling a little to decide upon which style of visuals to concentrate on. Feel that the second one I produced was the most suitable. Extended or more detailed information could be displayed in a more inventive way, but having too many types of graphs confuse things? especially as they’re in a very small report.
Maybe simple pie graphs with cut outs that expose a coloured paper behind? This way uses simple graphs but is more imaginative in terms of format.
Also below is a priority that data need to be shown in:
- amount of projects
- type of projects
- further project breakdown into specific categories
- collaborations
- new vs existing clients
- press releases news coverage?
- number of blog posts etc? (this isnt a great deal so leave this out?)
- clients names themselves will not be disclosed
The area I’m currently examining is the format and materials used in reports.
The traditional bound booklet or onscreen PDF for reporrts is an impractical way of viewing data. Graphs and visualisations are on different pages and this makes it difficult to compare different sets of figures. A few initial ideas are below:
Using Acetate or semi transparent paper:
— layering of acetate pages could create easy comparisons and contrasts of layered data
— this could be taken further by using the pages as lose slides over a set board. This may be slightly impractical but would make the report more interesting. this gives flexibility to compare different data sets. The data however would probably need to be in the same type of visualisation in order to be overlayed
— Using a thinner paper would give a similar effect. Much like the Barbican map (to post later!) with reverse prinitng on the back.
— Examining the layering of the graph over the relevant texts. Would readers take in this information more or less? It may produce a better connection between the visualisation and the text.
— a simple poster to accompany the report showing the visuals altogether.
