Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
much of the map she could show without it becoming the focal point of the inform-
ation. By reducing and simplifying the map, Tanya was able to suggest distances by
looking at the relative positioning between destinations and their orientation to each
other. She decided to use directional lines to suggest the pathways and used differ-
ent thicknesses to denote frequency. All of this was arrived at through a process of
trial and error in the sketchbook, constantly analyzing and evaluating the visuals to
make sure they communicated the key information clearly and consistently. The final
poster is produced in black, white and shades of grey and uses minimal text. Tanya
has commented that although she likes the poster aesthetically, the process of design-
ing it was far more interesting and challenging. The project shows that there are stor-
ies hidden in seemingly mundane data. She realized that she had driven a half-mile
stretch of road between her home and college an awful lot. It made her more aware
of her habits and behaviour. Today, devices such as the Nike+ Sportswatch GPS are
tracking, recording and presenting data. Through sensors, the watch records calories
burnt, location and distance moved. As a result it can tell our stories automatically.
HINTS & TIPS
Taking inspiration from the world around you
Information design is no different from other design disciplines: it is a creative en-
deavour that has a rational outcome. Inspiration is key to any creative activity, but
it does not come about through divine intervention. Designers naturally tend to be
curious individuals; this curiosity can be beneficial as they can take inspiration from
areas other than graphic design. If you keep an open mind you may find that the past
and the present offer a rich source of inspiration for designs. Art, film, culture, music,
architecture, sculpture, furniture and fashion all influence how we view the world. In
turn, they provide us with visual shapes, forms, colours, textures, type forms and or-
ganizational structures, if you look closely enough.
Taking inspiration: News Knitter
One such project that takes inspiration from an unusual source is that of News
Knitter. This piece of data visualization by Mahir M. Yavuz and Ebru Kurbak at the
