Information Graphic Design @informationdesignbyke-blog - Tumblr Blog

Blog Post 6: Found From Life

The color wheel is a great example of a physical informational piece that users can interact with to gain useful information about color properties and color mixing. Bordering the circumference of the wheel, the different hues are places, and as you move inward and spin the wheel, the different mixing options reveal what happens to that color as other colors are added to it.

This is an example of an ingenious solution for a printed piece that allows for user manipulation and changing of variables in a way that does not depend on the web. The key lies in the windows of color that are revealed as the wheel is rotated. Here, color codification actually corresponds to and represents actual colors, which is color codification in its most basic form.

The informational hierarchy, however, could use some improvement. As your eye moves towards the center it is somewhat hard to read and can be hard to decipher what the small bodies of text is referring to.

Overall, this is a different way of organizing, structuring, and revealing information in a way that is practical and user-friendly.

#Information Design #color wheel

Blog Post 6: From the Web

This interactive Data Visualization map lists tech company acquisitions over the past 15 years. What is different about this visualization is that the variables are responsive and can be changed according to what the viewer wants to know. Different companies are divided in to different categories, which can be filtered out at the top bar. The colors correspond with one another, as mobile companies are orange, software companies are dark blue, and social companies are turquoise. You can also filter by cost or frequency, where the size of the circle corresponds with the overall cost of the acquisition.

This helps give a better understanding of just how big the acquirement was for Facebook in purchasing Whatsapp. Compared to other acquisitions, this was a huge business move on Facebook's part, and their acquisition of Instagram two years earlier pales in comparison.

What makes this visualization successful is the organization and arrangement of variables in a way that makes sense and that can be manipulated by the viewer to further engage with the content.

The structure and organization of these visuals reminded me of a piece done by Pentagram on the History of Late Night Television, where circle diameter signifies years in the business, and different colors represent the different TV networks across time. This one, however, is not interactive, but has fewer variables so interactivity isn't a necessary component.

With these two pieces, circle diameter and color codification are important features for comparison across the variable of time. This is definitely something to keep in mind for my own data comparisons and visualizations.

#Information Design #infographic

Blog Post 5: Found From Life

Found on the side of an Epson scanner, these simple icons demonstrate clearly the lock/unlock features that the scanner lid possesses. With the single arrow pointed towards the unlocked lock, it must mean that the lid is open and operable, whereas if the single arrow were pointed up towards the locked lock, the lid would be unable to open.

From this simple display of information, what keeps it simple and understandable is the way the icons are unified in weight and visual similarity. The lock/unlocked icons both have the same line width and are built from the same structure. The single arrow on the dial and the double-ended arrow between the two lock icons are similar in visual style—they have the same basic triangular shape.

Arrows are helpful markers used to show transitions, leading you from one piece of information to the next. Double-ended arrows do this same thing, but imply an interchangeability where it's not static movement from one to the next, but the movement is dynamic and goes back and forth. This is an important concept to keep in mind when creating our information graphic animations. Where arrows are used in one-time space, movement can be used in time-based space where perhaps the locked icon could transmorph into an unlocked icon, which would imply the same thing as using an arrow.

#Information Design #icons #iconography

Blog Post 5: From the Web

This lively and attention-grabbing animation about the explanation behind the Bitcoin—which is a topic that I know very little about—does its job to inform the audience in a unique way by providing engaging and mesmerizing visuals that tell the story of Bitcoins, from its introduction and to how it's concept is being used globally. Directed, Designed and Animated by Duncan Elms, this motion graphic sequence asks the necessary questions and relays the necessary information in order for the general audience (someone like me) to be knowledgeable on the topic.

What I found to be helpful in my understanding of the Bitcoin concept were the visual metaphors used throughout the animation sequence. When the concept of "mining" is introduced (1:24), references to bulldozers and construction equipment is referenced, as if real mining and digging takes place.

Likewise, the key to this animation is providing visuals for descriptions that help bring clarity to the concept. For example, at 1:47 when the narrator says, "Like any economy, you don't want too much too fast," which is supported by a line graph animation with the line rapidly progressing upwards (signifying "too much too fast"). Then the narrator explains, "because then the value of the currency drops," aided by a then downward progression of the line animation.

These are ways to help visualize the information that is being presented, and supporting visuals always have a purpose behind them because these animations do not serve to make the information "look pretty" or be a distraction towards the point that is being made. This can be done in a visually pleasing manner that helps the audience understand what is being described. I look forward to using this animation sequence as a reference for my own information design animation.

#motion graphics #Information Design #bitcoin #animation

Blog Post 4:Found From Life

Printers and copiers are able to perform complicated tasks that we use every day. Most people are aware of how these machines work and the different functions they offer. It is no longer necessary to call up a specialist each time the printer malfunctions because there are some tasks that can be performed by users themselves. These tasks usually deal with maintenance and users are usually in charge of keeping and taking care of these pieces of machinery so that it can perform at its most basic level. One example of user maintenance is cleaning the original scanning section. The information for this is listed in the second image above and provides visual instructions for this task, where each step is numbered out. While the graphics are very simple (it does not explicitly say to rub that green little doo-dab onto the glass!) it is implied through the use of arrows, which denote movement, and diagrams of the locations on the printer that should be cleaned.

There are also helpful markings on the top lid of this particular printer (and also on the inside as you lift up the lid) that denote paper sizes and settings. These are for practical purposes.

What I also found to be interesting—and I didn’t realize this until I compared the two copiers—is that each copier is required to say somewhere that it is illegal to copy money and postage stamps. This information is given not through the use of words, but through iconography. They each show money and a stamp as they were to appear normally, guided by an arrow which leads to a crossed out universal icon of a copied piece of paper (signified by the folded corner) with images of the money on it. Although no words are used, the message is very clear: that it is forbidden to make copies of these items.

#Information Design #printer

Blog Post 4: From the Web

This bright and lively graphic of basic refrigerator organization is a helpful companion for anyone seeking to keep their foods fresh in a way that is cost-effective and gets the most out of your refrigerated storage space. The topic at hand is relevant to the general audience, because almost everyone in America owns a refrigerator and almost everyone with food waste every day. Food waste can be costly, especially if there are better ways for keeping your food fresh, which is what this information graphic encourages us to pursue.

It begins with the problems of food waste: 40% of perfectly good food goes uneaten, which costs us $165 billion each year and accounts for a large portion of methane emissions in the U.S. It then states that if we reduce food loss by 15%, there would be enough food to feed more than 25 million Americans each year (which seems like a doable solution!) So here the problem and benefits to reducing food waste are laid out plainly, now the task lies in revamping your refrigerator. The different sections, shelves, and drawers of your fridge all serve different functions and the chart visually lists out the different food items that should be kept in each section. Finally, some tips are listed for improving refrigerator efficiency, such as removing the dust from your fridge’s condenser coils and maintaining your fridge’s temperature settings.

The way the story is laid out is told in a simple, clear, and straightforward manner that goes from problem orientation (making sure the audience is aware of the types of waste thrown out food can produce) to the benefits of problem solving (unfed Americans can have food if food loss is reduced by 15%) and then to practical solutions (through fridge organization to maintaining fridge efficiency).

#infographic #Information Design #foodwaste

Blog Post 3:Found From Life

We interact with information all the time in our day to day lives. A commonplace example with this interaction is at the gas station when we go to fill our tanks with fuel. For people living in places where self-service isn’t the norm, this information might not be as pertinent. But for those same people who travel out–of–state to places where self-service is expected, a simple chart of graphics like the ones pictured above can make all the difference in a driver’s first self-service gas station experience.

Symbols and icons are imagery that help users relate what they see and experience in the real world to the information that they need to know. In this case, the first step for the driver is to look at the chart of information. It asks questions which then lead you to the next step, either follow the instructions on the keypad display, or to remove the nozzle. The symbol for removing the nozzle includes an icon of the gas nozzle being pulled away from the pump, as demonstrated by the small arrow that is directed away from the pump. It then guides drivers to select the type of fuel grade by mimicking the real-life button in shape and form as an icon with a finger that suggests the gesture of selecting and pushing down. Drivers can then dispense fuel into their gas tanks and then return the nozzle to the pump.

All of the steps in this process are guided by the use of text and imagery. The hierarchy of information is arranged chronologically, where it is important that the steps be completed in sequence. The only step that could be improved is when the nozzle is inserted into the gas tank—it is missing a visual that signifies to the driver that the nozzle must be inserted into the car’s tank. All the information that’s given for the driver is to “dispense fuel.” While that may be all that is needed, the instructions would only benefit from some sort of visual demonstration of this.

Otherwise, this is a highly economized and instantly recognizable way of understanding how to pump fuel into your vehicle. If I never had to pump my own gas in my life, I would be very grateful of instructions like these that give descriptive and visual information that relates in a way that is immediately understandable.

#gas pump #Information Design #symbols #icons

Blog Post 3: From the Web

These data visualizations of tennis game scores are an innovative way to connect fans of tennis to each of the games’ statistics, content, and information that might otherwise be overlooked or gone unconsidered. A tennis fan might only want to know the outcome of a particular match, i.e. the final score. But IBM found a way to make this experience interactive and gave users the ability to learn more and engage with their favorite tennis players by providing content that can be absorbed and comprehended in a deeper manner than simply being consumed.

The way in which this information is dispersed is through the use of social media, specifically through Instagram. Tennis lovers can follow IBM Sports on Instagram and receive up-to-date information and animated statistics directly in their instagram feed. Instead of having to search the web for this information, tennis fans can simply open up the instagram app and see the results in their feed.

Although the animations themselves are short, ranging from about 6 to 10 seconds each, it provides users with the necessary information before/after each match that would otherwise be announced on loudspeaker at the games themselves or broadcast on-air, spoken verbally and probably not displayed in a visual manner. That is where these “datagrams,” as they are so called by IBM, are the key to engagement and interactivity with the audience because this same information, but in a form that is visually interesting.

While tennis may not be my sport of preference, I can see these datagrams being applied to more commonly known events, one of which is known worldwide and is coming up this Friday! If animated statistics like these were applied to the Winter Olympics, this would be a great way to keep up with all my favorite events. I could see each athletic event owning its own Instagram account with its own team of data visualizers and analytics maintaining these accounts as each event is happening. This way, if I had a spare moment I would be able to check the stats on Instagram and get this information immediately without having to waste too much time searching for the right event. The way in which IBM’s datagrams are delivered streamlines this process and brings relevant information into the hands of users in an instant, which is why social media can be a powerful tool in today’s world of communication and information sharing.

#IBMsports #datagrams #Information Design #infographic #motion graphics #animated information

What is to be sought in designs for the display of information is the clear portrayal of complexity. Not the complication of the simple; rather the task of the designer is to give visual access to the subtle and the difficult – that is, revelation of the complex.

-Edward Tufte

Blog Post 1:Found From Life

Information design is all around us, as structures of information need to be organized and set apart so that users are able to be informed about data sets, instructions, or general information that gives a richer experience to every day life. If information exists, there is always an intent behind it and it is displayed in a certain way by designers, or curators of this information.

I found this interesting display of flavanoid content on the back of a lipton tea box. Simple and highly economized, this graphic shows the amount of flavanoids in milligrams per serving of selected beverages and foods. The more commonplace way of displaying this information would be in a Nutrition Facts table that we see on so many packaged foods, as it is required by the FDA.

But what is unique about this display is the way in which it visually shows the amounts when compared to common beverages and foods that are thought to include high flavanoid contents. It compares black tea to cranberry juice, orange juice, broccoli, and coffee. Again, this information could have been charted out and displayed as a table with names, columns, rows, and numbers. But Lipton chose to engage with their drinkers by inserting this interesting nugget of information directly onto their packaging. It no doubt serves as a marketing purpose, as the draw of high flavonoid content might push shoppers to purchase Lipton tea over other beverages.

This chart, however, is very limited because it only compares black tea with 4 other beverages/foods. It would be interesting to see what other foods rival black tea for flavonoid content. But more importantly, what would be beneficial would be a definition and the benefits of flavonoids. It says that regular tea drinking may help maintain vascular function, but does not specify whether or not this is attributed to flavonoids.

This particular display of information goes to show how data and information are often used to press a certain agenda or as a part of a marketing campaign. The politics of information is a real topic to consider when digesting information and when designing an informational experience.

#infographic #lipton tea

Blog Post 2: From the Web

While many information graphics are successful at communicating complex information, others aren’t as successful, or at least as successful as they could be. The Corruption Perceptions Index 2013 listed on the Transparency International website is an example of an information graphic that presents useful information, but this information should be presented in a less confusing and in a more practical manner for cross-comparisons.

The premise of this graphic is one such that countries are mapped out according to their score of corruption based on their perceived levels of public sector corruption. In this spectrum, cleaner countries are labeled with a bright yellow while the more highly corrupt countries are a blazing, deep red.

On the right side is a breakdown of 8 of shades with countries that correspond to that specific shade based on their score. On the left side are 6 spectrums that are split up by “general” geographic regions. These “general” groupings are confusing because they differ from the traditional continental groupings that we are more familiar with. For example, it lists Asia Pacific as a grouping, but gives no further information as to what specific countries make up the grouping, since it differs from categorical grouping by continent. All that’s given is that New Zealand (which ranked at the top in this grouping with the cleanest score) and Afghanistan, tied with North Korea (which scored with high corruption marks) are included in this group.

One main thing that this graphic would benefit from is a simple cross-comparison index with each country and their respective shade listed so that individual countries can be compared along an index. I think it’s funny that this is listed as a Corruption Perceptions Index but it lacks an actual index. Otherwise, this would be a decent visual display of useful information on the levels of corruption worldwide based on public perception.

#Information Design #corruption #infographic #transparency international

Blog Post 1:Found From Life

A common challenge for product design is how to convey and relay important user information without compromising the esteem of the design. For this challenge, Apple has done a nice job with its simple but effective battery diagram engraved on the back of its wireless keyboards.

For most battery-operated devices, information regarding the orientation of negative and positive ends are listed near the main battery terminal, usually hidden inside (as in most hand-held cameras). Failure to correctly orientate batteries as intended by the manufacturing results in an inoperative device, and in some cases can lead to expulsion of battery acid. Therefore, this vital information is necessary so that users know how to properly replace batteries once the old ones have died.

The question, then, is how to incorporate this information without disrupting the overall aesthetic. Apple found their solution by using a total of three symbols: a minus sign, a plus sign, and a battery icon. Although this simple graphic is nothing new, and they are not the first in implementation, I found the placement of the graphic to be the most effective and innovative aspect of their design.

As depicted by the second of the two images above, it is placed on the backside of the keyboard and near the main battery terminal. If you were to flip the keyboard around, it is not noticeable at first glance. However, if you were to unscrew the opening to the battery terminal, with your eyes focused on this particular area of the keyboard, you notice it immediately and becomes a useful asset towards replacing the batteries.

Certain answers become apparent when the proper questions are asked, and so certain information should be made known when it is needed. A battery diagram is not needed on the main keypad, nor does it require its own button. But when users are wanting to replace their batteries, a battery diagram is helpful in the location that a user would normally go to, in this case, the main battery terminal.

This illustrates the need for discretion in information design, as it is the role of the designer to determine what information is vital to the story being being told, and what information is unnecessary or secondary to the story. Designers should also determine what questions viewers are asking, and when they are asking these questions so that the appropriate information can be laid out in the proper sequence. Understanding this aids in effective communication between the data/information and the audience.

#information design

Blog Post 1: From the Web

Coffee is a fun, popular topic to visualize. From the roast of the beans to the temperature of the water, it is a process that coffee consumers are beginning to take notice of and become more involved in. I had seen variations of coffee posters floating about the internet, but none of them displayed visually the processes that vary among coffee-making mechanisms. They were either lacking key information or had too much information and comparisons tended to be rather confusing to sort through.

This coffee infographic by Pop Chart Lab balances the informative with the visual in a way that streamlines a viewer’s journey through the art of coffee-making. It is a comprehensive chart of all the known ways to produce coffee and includes simplified illustrations of the mechanisms as well as common ingredients that plainly and clearly map out the different processes and recipes.

The hierarchy of information is such that viewers have the opportunity to begin at the top and work their way to the bottom through guided lines similar to simple diagrams, which at the end results in a specified drink. But the hierarchy also enables viewers to find their specific drink, starting at the bottom, then work their way up to get a more narrowed-down account of how that particular coffee drink is made. There are clear distinctions between visual elements so that viewers are able to easily distinguish between stylistic or visual elements (such as ingredient and mechanism illustrations) and informative elements (such as type, color, and lines) that add to its efficacy as an information graphic piece.

As a coffee lover myself, which also makes me a member of the targeted audience, this poster gives me a basic understanding of the myriad of ways coffee can be brewed for enjoyment. Thanks to this poster, I have a better understanding of the many facets of coffee brewing and I have the confidence that what I order the next time I’m at Starbucks, I’ll be able to know exactly how it was made and what exactly is going into my order.

#information design #infographic #coffee

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informationdesignbyke-blog

Information design, edited by Robert Jacobson, 2000 Information design: Emergence of a new profession, Robert E. Horn

Information design is defined as the art and science of preparing information so that it can be used by human beings with efficiency and effectiveness. Its primary objectives are:

1. To develop documents that are comprehensive, rapidly and accurately retrievable, and easy to translate into effective action.

2. To design interactions with equipment that are easy, natural, and as pleasant as possible. This involves solving many problems in the design of the human-computer interface.

3. To enable people to find their way in three-dimensional space with comfort and case-especially urban space, but also, given recent developments, virtual space.

Curator's Note: there is a spelling mistake in the title above ("objetives" should be "objectives") but since this is a reblog from another blog that I found interesting, I cannot edit it :(

I think design covers so much more than the aesthetic. Design is fundamentally more. Design is usability. It is Information Architecture. It is Accessibility. This is all design.

Mark Boulton

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