information designer

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Conversation

As an open ended conversation with someone who might hold a different viewpoint than myself, I decided to approach two policemen with the intention to have a conversation around the soon-to-be legalization of marijuana. I had made a small assumption that police would take the standpoint of being against it but I also wanted to enquire about the changes that will occur within the system as a whole.  So I decided to approach two policemen who were walking down the street and asked if I could ask them a question, to which I proceeded to ask how they felt about the legalization of weed. The one gentleman spoke out right away saying that he doesn’t agree that it should be legalized, so I asked him some why questions to dig a little deeper. He said that he’s seen how weed can affect people in a negative way and has witnessed car accidents happen because individuals were under the influence. As our conversation progressed his initial reaction became diluted as he was talking about the need for stricter policies around it. For him, the biggest issue was people driving under the influence of weed, especially those who use marijuana for medical reasons. He had a good point that even when the medical marijuana is refined to eliminating most THC compounds, it still influences some motor skills.  The other gentleman didn’t have as much to say about it and wasn’t as open to discussing it. He did however mention that as a teenager he smoked weed, which was funny but but not shocking as I have friends that went into the police force under similar circumstances. I giggled at his response. He did say that he understands the medical reasons behind legalizing weed and that he has done a fair amount of research on it and sees that there is evidence to support it. His response was less engaging as he just said that he hopes the government establishes the correct laws to monitor it. I asked for their standpoint on how legalizing it might influence crime rates and reduce the sale of black-market weed, to which they proceeded to say “I guess we’ll see what happens come July 1st”. And that was the end of our conversation, which was enlightening to me because I hold this thought that police are all conservative and assume their opposition against the legalization of weed.

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Colour Code | RACISM IN CANADA

This podcast is so fascinating. It actually made me laugh at Ian on the radio. It reminded me of conversations we had in my Women Studies class, which was my first introduction to racism conversations and it was a new experience for me then. In my class I found myself also becoming defensive right away when we spoke about racism especially with my South African, which is why I found the radio discussion interesting. My Women Studies class changed the way I looked at myself and how I viewed racism and topics around it.  Firstly, his point about “them” not talking to him in a grocery store line up is the first establishment of him making the entire topic about him. It’s about his feeling and his feeling that “they”don't want to interact with him because he’s white. Poor him... He blames the race as a whole instead of blaming the person themselves. He should be wondering why that one person did not talk to him like maybe they were having a bad day or he/she was tired, busy thinking, or whatever else the reason might be. Instead he looked at that persons skin colour rather than their identity. I myself work hard at it to not look at someone’s skin colour and assume that we’re different because that’s how I grew up and that’s how a lot of people around me are. I try and focus on looking for similarities instead of differences.

Secondly, he nailed the topic of reverse racism. Claiming to be a minority in his community is once again him playing “poor me” and making it about him. I think the worst and most consistent part of the radio talk was the “me vs. them” theme. It was so clear that in no world could he have any connection or things in common with “them”. He doesn’t realize that him saying that he feels like a minority in his community doesn’t hold any means because he still holds the white male patriarchal privileges, even if he’s “outnumbered” by other races where he lives. He’s not attempting to understand or relate to them in any way but rather trying to minimize their experience by stating that he feels like they are being racist against him. He feels attacked and he feels like they don't want to include him in his own community and the entire conversation is about him as this poor white male who won’t be accepted into his community because “those” people don’t accept him. Does he accept them for who they are? 

That goes into my third point about the assimilation of immigrants in Canada. The 68% positive vote is shocking to me, but then again not really. The immigrant topic is touchy here in Canada because most Canadians, if were classifying it as when you’re born in Canada, are multicultural and yet people have this assumption that Canadians are white. For me when people ask me where I’m from when they hear my accent I don't get offended because I am from somewhere else and I realize my priviledge of having white skin in this country. Though what I thought of when they discussed it in the podcast was in my Women Studies class when a few girls in the class said they find it so hurtful and offensive when they are asked where they are from because it confirms this assumption that if you have black skin there is no way you could be from Canada / be Canadian. This to me was the first I thought about something like this and I think until you hear it from those with lived experience of racism, you don’t know whether your actions are racist or not and it’s not for you to determine that either. I found that it’s not about you and how you think you are racist or not but rather about the person on the other end and how they experience it. 

To me, the worst part of the entire podcast and radio interview was that Ian made it all about him and his experience as a white male, and not for one second did he consider how they might feel or how his actions might make them feel. 

On a side note I love their statement about referring to things as “you did a racist thing” rather than saying “you’re a racist”, as I think actions can be worked on and bettered piece by piece. I can’t say that I’m not a racist because I constantly try and work on little things I do that could be racist. But if someone tells you you’re a racist I think there becomes de-motivation of trying to better yourself and work on the steps you can take to be more inclusive and accepting and considerate. 

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The Yes Men: Controversial Thought Provokers

The Yes Men documentary about the two activists provoked a few emotions within me: Laughter, sadness, concern and hopelessness. These activists impersonate powerful individuals who have had a large hand in influencing negative events around the world. The issues (and the individuals responsible for these issues) they address are disheartening but what makes me even more concerned is the fact that I didn’t know about some of the issues they addressed in the movie. This could be for many reasons but one being that these big world issues are scraped under the carpet and ‘forgotten’ about because the people responsible hold a lot of power and influence mainstream media to steer away from it’s publicity. They don’t want people to know what they did. Therefor it makes me happy to know that The Yes Men are pulling stunts to spark conversation about these topics so that they don’t become dead dogma. This supports our team’s design manifesto in that we are inspired through individuals who develop powerful messages that provide opportunities for education and action. These men, though not designers, show that it is worth the effort to engage in something that you’re passionate about. To create something that sparks conversation, educates and potentiially leads to some kind of action as a responce is a lot more valuable than creating something pretty. These man gave a voice to the voiceless - whether their stunts lead to change or evoke the right type of response, I value what they did for those affected by these awful events. This is reflected in those populations’ reactions to their stunts as well. The stuts weren’t perfect and they are flawed in not having a strong plan of action beyond the stunts but they gave a voice to people who don’t and that is something that I am a huge advokate for. The hopelessness I felt from seeing some of the powerful white men’s reactions to the absurd stunts; they’re obliviousness of the stunt and their brainwashed brains that are concerned about money only. It’s sad to know that there are many powerful people alike them out in the world, but it’s good to know that there are men like The Yes Men who are taking steps against these type of people to shine light on how awful and disregarding they are to people who matter but are viewed as disposable especially when it comes to money. 

My only doubt that comes from watching this documentary is whether we are able to actually make an impact with design in this world. If two guys who did some major stunts weren’t able to reach someone like me who had no idea of them or the things they’ve done, then it makes me wonder if I have the capabilities to enable change. On the macro level though I do believe that change starts with every one person in the world which gives me hope and restores  little bit of that hopelessness.

As a designer, I find inspiration from The Yes Men to always remember that we can enable and provoke change. Design to me has shifted from being visualizations to creations that can advocate for change. Even if it doesn’t provoke change, the effort toward provoking change is good enough. 

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Male birth control?

Male birth control is said to be 10 years away from being introduced into society. They have viable products that have been tested but have had male’s reporting side effects such as depression, acne, mood disorders. Not unsimilar to female birth control side effects. So these pills and injections are still being “refined”. As a feminist, I believe contraception is the responsibility of both parties involved and I think male contraception pills or injections should be made available. I’ve had discussions with my male friends who have been very pro male contraceptives which is enlightening and great to know. However, the discussion around the topic is lacking between males. If anyone talks about male birth control, it’s usually a female initiating the conversation. 

Therefor, I decided as my design intervention, I would design an “ad” for male birth control and put it up around the men’s bathroom. This is the poster (and no that web URL doesn’t exist) that I had asked a dear friend of mine to hang on those advertising spaces in the bathroom stalls in the school bathroom. He was kind enough to do it and although I couldn’t really observe interactions with the design (for obvious reasons) I have a feeling the poster was thought provoking and hopefully started some interesting conversations around it. I asked my friend to see if the posters were up 24 hours later, and unsurprisingly they were gone. 

The goal of the intervention wasn’t to persuade or push for interaction, but rather to have a thought provoking intervention about a topic that seems to never be discussed. 

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ID: privilege & blindspots

What are my privileges?

To self realize my own privileges was something fairly foreign to me until I took a Woman’s Studies class. She had forced us to think about our own self and identify our privilege especially through conversation with people alike and dislike me. On our last day of class she told us to return for visits to her class so that we can be reminded to keep conscious of our own privilege. 

- I am white - I am physically able in that I can access most things around me and I have no visible disability or impairment - I have blonde hair and blue eyes - I am able to wear the clothing I want (whether it be new or not) - I can afford glasses or contact lenses to correct my vision - I own a car  - I live in Canada (a first-world country), in the SW of Calgary - I have running water, electricity and heating in my home - I buy fresh fruit and vegetables and eat as healthy as I choose - I go to university, with parents that pay for my tuition - I moved out of my parents’ house when I wanted to  - I don’t have to support anyone financially except myself - I am heterosexual - I can visibly display my sexuality in public without judgement - I was raised Christian (even if I no longer practice religion) - I grew up in a family where my parents/parent have always had stable jobs - I speak fluent English - I am well represented in the media (as well as a white woman can be) - I can be confident that I have a fair chance in getting a job position in an industry I choose - I can vacation at least once a year

What are my blindspots?

Some privileges I carry but that seem to go off my radar because of the person I am for one is the fact that I can move out of my parents’ house at the age of 23. I recently watched the series Shameless and it made me realize that I am privileged to not have grown up in a family where I had to work at the age of 12 and give the money I earn to my family to aid in supporting them financially, or that I had to raise my siblings or take care of my parents at a young age. This was hte first time I really realized that it’s a privilege to grow up in a financially secure family, with no family members who have disabilities, to get a job when I wanted to and to move out of my family home when I felt like it without feeling guilty.  Another blindspot is I am able to display publically, talk publically about my sexual orientation and not worry about being judged or unaccepted by people around me. In my own family it is the “norm” to be heterosexual and it is encouraged to be attracted toward my own race. I forget that those who go against society’s normative sexual orientation have to deal with it every single day in every situation. I remember when I am around my gay guy friends but it’s very easy for me realize this in my everyday life.

Self-realization and being conscious of my own privileges is something I often times forget until I’m reminded to think about it. 

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Revolving Doors Save Energy

Revolving doors in buildings are designed and implemented to allow high volumes of people to enter/exit a building and to keep buildings energy efficient by preventing drafts. Some individuals at MRU tend to use the regular doors instead. 

I decided to implement a micro design intervention to encourage users to use revolving doors as it saves energy. With a sign in place on the regular doors instructing individuals to “Use revolving doors” and recognizing this signage is problematic and ineffective in this environment, I designed small signs for each of the four revolving separators that users push.

The signs, implemented Tuesday September 19th at the East Gate entrance, thanked users for using the revolving doors with a focu on their contribution to being energy efficient. 

During 30 minutes of observation, I observed users looking up at the signs and reading them, some users were slowing down while passing through the revolving doors to read the signs, and some were discussing the signs with their friends. There was a sense of users looking informed after reading the signs.

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BEING SOCIAL FOR SOCIETY

For my social stretch quest I marched in the women’s march in Calgary on January 21st, 2017. 

I was asked to join my friend the day that the women's march was happening around the world in consolidation with the women’s march in the U.S. The march was about women’s rights/equality and was a large social movement right around the time of Trump running for presidency. I’ve never been part of a march and was hesitant at first because I wasn’t sure what to expect. I almost didn’t join her.

Comfort level before stretch quest: 4/5 (uncomfortable)

As soon as we arrived I couldn’t be happier to have participated. It was overwhelmingly empowering. This stretch quest has inspired and reinforced my critical view of the world. Being critical of the system that governs us and society as a whole is a good lens to have for us as info designers. Look at everything through a critical lens. Consume data but take note of the power structures embedded within them. 

Comfort level after stretch quest: 1/5 (very comfortable)

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How to visualize my collection for interactive use

Brainstormed ideas of graphical representations of collection.

Table of top 10 graphical representations of collection in a pros & cons table.

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attributes of collection in a table

The table summarizes attributes that can be found through data for my renewable energy collection–this table sources inspiration on what I can create for my data visualization.

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myMRU: a re-design

myMRU website: https://www.mymru.ca

The myMRU website has been redesigned recently and there is a lot that works in terms of its design. It’s a lot more modern looking and the colour scheme is left in my redesign. The icons at the top of the page have been left in the redesign because they are easily identified for users. The user profile has been moved to replace the “sign out” option- this works because login/profile details are generally top right of a website. The nav bar has been condensed to seven tabs and some of the labels have been altered for clearer communication to users. “First year” has been removed because it is confusing for applicants and can cause frustration. Minimalism in design aids in easier navigation for new students in this design. The grid is kept as it is in its hierarchical structure because the way it’s laid out includes the most important tasks students want to accomplish on this page. The boxes’ headings are highlighted in the redesign to create visual contrast. The exam schedule is condensed because the current website’s layout restricts one from seeing all the information if the screen isn’t a certain size. Users can click on each course, similar to the “student grades” section, to unfold more information. This design engages users while simplifying the overall information on the page. All the sections are consistent in colour and functionality which implies cohesiveness. There is a bottom nav which contains the website as a wholesome design and can redirect users to other related MRU sites. 

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concept statement: RENEN

Final concept statement,

Renewable Energy: Who’s cooling us down?

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PROFESSIONALLY UNCOMFORTABLE

For my professional stretch quest I reached out to a kind of famous person–Scott Wilson from Departures (a travel-documentrary series)–via Skype.

For Document Production we we’re required to contact a professional that relates to our magazine topic and conduct a Q&A with them. I had emailed his media production company on a limb hoping that I would get in contact with him and email him a couple of questions about his trip to South Africa and get enough content for my Q&A. He replied right away and suggested we have a Skype chat.. not what I expected. I did everything to avoid Skyping but decided for the purposes of the magazine to go ahead with it. I chose this as my stretch quest because I hate journalism work and am very awkward in interview settings with professionals. 

Comfort level before stretch quest: 5/5 (very uncomfortable)

The Skype went extremely well and Scott ended up being casual as can be and interesting–we chatted for an hour about his travels. I got a ton of content for my magazine and formed a professional contact, which is great for networking. This was not only informative but showed me that pushing out of your comfort zone with professionals isn’t as bad as I imagine it to be. i have a really negative view of myself in interviewing situations and in terms of networking and this has given me a new view on it. Great learning experience for my professional career. 

Comfort level after stretch quest: 3/5 (pretty uncomfortable)

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Hey visualization; good interaction

“if the moon was only one pixel” website: http://joshworth.com/dev/pixelspace/pixelspace_solarsystem.html

This visualization aims to create a relatable scale of the solar system. The best part of the design is what it is extremely simple. The simplicity creates a type of depth relevant to the solar system- it replicates how big it is and how lost one can get in it. The design moves either by the user scrolling or by pressing a toggle to make it move. There are icons at the top of the page that stand for each planet. The design allows one to select a type of distance at which the interaction moves like km, blue whales, etc.- this makes it very relatable to the user and allows one to grasp the highly complicated and often misunderstood data of our solar system. Instead of just having the speed of light as a speed option, it instead makes it easier to conceptualize and interact with the data presented. The colours used in the design are relevant to the topic and the black in the background represents ‘space’ perfectly. The overall appearance of the design and the linear scale at the bottom of the page gives it credibility- the feeling that users can trust the data which is a very important part of data visualization. A design should be playful and inviting but communicate trustworthiness and this design captures that. 

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Facebook: a re-design

Facebook website: https://www.facebook.com/

If Facebook had to be redesigned... I find it hard to redesign Facebook’s website because it is user-friendly and has such a strong brand attached to it that redesigning it would probably cause a lot of uprise from its users and I feel like the site is highly functional and well-designed for it to have to undergo massive changes. One thing I think could be changed as show in my sketch redesign is moving the user’s profile options that appear in the top nav bar to the left and removing the “home” button and instead just having it as the FB icon, which would work well because users are familiar with the use of logos that navigates one to the home page of a website. The design would use the iconography that has been branded through FB and are recognizable for users like the profile, chat, notification, newsfeed, events, groups, pages, and on this day icons. My redesign works off of the mobile app layout of FB because it is simplified and works well because most FB users have become familiarised with FB’s brand. Instead of having a horizontal navigation on the left side of the page, I’ve moved it as a horizontal nav because this enables more room for the main content on the page (newsfeed). This design resonates the mobile app’s layout and makes navigation to the most used sections of FB to be easily accessed while saving room on the page. I’ve added the live feed to the main page with users’ icons, seeing as it’s a new feature of FB and isn’t yet featured on the current website, only the mobile version. The events section is expanded to show the actual upcoming events instead of having to navigate to a new page to view upcoming events- this creates less steps and navigating to less pages per task. The chat that is usually at the bottom of the page has been removed and is instead at the very top of the page as an icon which will drop down into the page to show which users are online. This redesign makes the page look more modern (the old chat bar at the bottom has been there since the beginning of FB). Whomever the user is chatting to at the time will be shown as a single red dot as a notification and will drop down into a linear bubble below the nav bar and above the section of newsfeeds. One big redesign is having a clickable arrow at the end of the newsfeed which will replace FB’s design where the newsfeed scrolls endlessly, which I find overwhelming. There will be a clickable arrow that will reveal more stories as one scrolls down but has an end to it. This design gives users the sense that they can backtrack to the base of the website instead of feeling like there’s no end. 

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Exhaustive Research

A high-level diagram researching my collection

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PHYSICAL STRETCH QUEST

For my physical stretch quest I signed up for my first ever hot yoga class at the Hot Shop on their complimentary classes. I’ve never done yoga or anything similar so this was something that I’m not 100% comfortable with because I firstly don’t know yoga etiquette and I went by myself–so no one was able to show me the ropes. 

Comfort level before stretch quest: 3/5 (pretty uncomfortable)

The hot yoga class went well, though I found out that without knowing the basics of yoga it makes it complicated because I had to keep looking at the instructor for every motion. I didn’t tell her that it was my first time because the class was very full but I enjoyed it and I definitely sweated it out. 

Comfort level after stretch quest: 2/5 (comfortable)

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brainstorming my collection: renewable energy

Area of focus: Which countries produce the most renewable energy worldwide