Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Micro / Macro Design
After reading on the section of micro/macro composition in Tufte's Envisioning Information, I got really curious and did some research on it.
I found a definition for micro/macro reading on wikiviz sayng, "Micro-macro reading is a method for presenting large quantities of data at high densities in a way that a broad overview of the data is given and yet immense amount of detail is provided (Ruddle et al., 2002)."
But enough words. I researched for visual samples to get a better idea of the concept.
So here are the results (click on image to zoom in!):
Geological Investigation of the Alluvial Valley of the Lower Mississippi River
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pruned/80699722/
New York subway map
Cancer deaths across the nation
Flight density during one week between international airports. From SD Magazine (Japan).
http://www.visualcomplexity.com/vc/project.cfm?id=67
I mostly found images of maps, which is convenient since the next project for class in information design is to redesign a map.
I found a definition for micro/macro reading on wikiviz sayng, "Micro-macro reading is a method for presenting large quantities of data at high densities in a way that a broad overview of the data is given and yet immense amount of detail is provided (Ruddle et al., 2002)."
But enough words. I researched for visual samples to get a better idea of the concept.
So here are the results (click on image to zoom in!):
Geological Investigation of the Alluvial Valley of the Lower Mississippi River
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pruned/80699722/
New York subway map
Cancer deaths across the nationFlight density during one week between international airports. From SD Magazine (Japan).
http://www.visualcomplexity.com/vc/project.cfm?id=67
I mostly found images of maps, which is convenient since the next project for class in information design is to redesign a map.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Calendars
I love looking at other designers' online portfolios.
This time I googled "calendars" and found some awsome designs.
Other than making it look pretty, I think there some innovative ways to design the layout of the calendars. Some are funky and totally impractical, while others and clear but boring (sometimes). Is there a happy medium where the information is clearly communicated yet interesting to look at?
www.coolhunting.com
www.fudgegraphics.com
www.happycavalier.com
www.heyjenn.com
This time I googled "calendars" and found some awsome designs.
Other than making it look pretty, I think there some innovative ways to design the layout of the calendars. Some are funky and totally impractical, while others and clear but boring (sometimes). Is there a happy medium where the information is clearly communicated yet interesting to look at?
www.coolhunting.com
www.fudgegraphics.com
www.happycavalier.com
www.heyjenn.com
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Instruction Manual Mania
Have you ever had to install/put together/fix something and look at the instruction manual only to say "Huh?"
I do. Like, all the time.
That's why I like the manuals that have pictures. But seriously, it helps when there are figures that go along with the instructions, especially if it's presented clearly and simply. Color can play an important role in communicating information, like highlighting certain sections of a toaster or something.
Here are some examples:
Good example...
BAD example...
...and well, you can decide on this one. (Hint: It's a Baby User Manual)
I do. Like, all the time.
That's why I like the manuals that have pictures. But seriously, it helps when there are figures that go along with the instructions, especially if it's presented clearly and simply. Color can play an important role in communicating information, like highlighting certain sections of a toaster or something.
Here are some examples:
Good example...
BAD example...
...and well, you can decide on this one. (Hint: It's a Baby User Manual)
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