Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
One thing to bear in mind is that our memory capability is ill-equipped for
remembering the previous scenes of an animated story. If the facilitation of
comparison is important, then animation may not be the best method and something
like a panel of small multiples will be more effective. The deployment of features
such as trailing certain categories or the amplification of new values as they change
significantly over time can also help compensate for this shortcoming.
The potential development of an interactive or animated visualization is a very
exciting prospect for a talented developer and designer. However, without wishing
to sound like the boring parent who doesn't let you go outside to play, the suitability
and need for interactivity does need to be thoroughly reasoned and justified.
I will reemphasize the point made earlier: just because you can, doesn't mean to
say you should. Interactive visualizations expand the creative opportunities but
should be deployed to enhance the clarity and accessibility of data perception,
not compromise it. Poorly considered clicks, sliders, filters, and menus can create
unnecessary distraction and may delay access to the data and the key insights.
Annotation
Here is a quote from Amanda Cox (
http://eyeofestival.com/speaker/
amanda-cox/
):
"The annotation layer is the most important thing we do... otherwise it's a case of
here it is, you go figure it out."
Our next layer is one that can often be neglected. However, as this quote suggests,
annotating visualization is such an important features of our design. It is about
taking care of your audience, recognizing who they are, what they might know
already, and what they don't know.
Done well, annotation can help explain and facilitate the viewing and interpretive
experience. It is the challenge of creating a layer of user assistance and user
insight: how can you maximize the clarity and value of engaging with this
visualization design?
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