Tag: Infographic

B3- Visualization of Data

Wyatt Leave a comment

We went through a lot choosing the correct data, and also the correct charts to represent that data. We needed to go through a lot of different data sources to find the precise information we were looking for. A lot of it was found using Google at the beginning because it was a great way for us to get a lot of information that we could then refine later. Once we started going through the data, we noticed that a lot of the data came from government websites, or watchdog websites that keep the public informed about the energy sector. We found approximately 20 sources and then narrowed it down to the top 5 that would give us the strongest point as to why our country needs to move away from fossil fuels.

Once we got the data, we needed to choose the types of graphs to use. Originally, we used the bar graph below to represent the cost of oil, but then quickly realized that it didn’t really help our point. It showed quantities but did not adequately show the trend of the prices over time. Therefore we used the line chart because it directly shows us that trendline, and makes the advantages of the wind and nuclear very clear.

The other major graph I worked on was the chart of the U.S. There was a ton of data that we needed to get into our infographic, and that is the reason we chose to use the map. It allowed us to get two huge pieces of data into one beautiful chart. It is also something that attracts the eye so it helps interest readers in what we have to say as well, which is a great bonus from a well designed piece. 

You can also see the assignment page here.

B1- Sometimes More Is Less

Wyatt Leave a comment

The biggest takeaway from this first assignment is that more is less in many situations. This was exemplified when I found the article that I decided to remake; a memo from the head of the mobile division of Microsoft to his employees. It was terribly complicated, and did not do a good job at delivering the message that was supposed to be at the heart of the memo. When it was rewritten with the first and most important part of the article explaining the current situation, and reason for the memo, it was a much easier, and relatable letter.

I think that we can see the same story in many infographics and presentations as well. So often people try and cram as much as they can into a slide or page while not thinking about how the reader is going to react when they see it.

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The slide above is a great example of trying to overload a slide. While it may have all the information the presenter wanted to convey, the reader will never be able to follow along because there is too many bullets to be able to read while also listening to the speaker.

 

This on the other hand is a much better example of how to make a slide.

11-choose-chart-type-carefully_good-example_bar-chart-rerendered-as-be-pie-charts

There is enough information, as well as graphs that give a lot of information in a visually appealing way. This slide eliminates many of the problems that come with adding a lot of text because now the reader has time to go through each point and analyze them before the speaker moves on to the next slide.

In conclusion, I believe that we need to take a minimalist approach to creating our documents. They provide all of the needed information, in a more concise and elegant package that is much more approachable to the audience.

Here is a link to the Assignment associated with this post.