Reflection

This week we started by looking at how data is everywhere around us and one of the most effective ways to make sense of it is through the use of diagrams and visualisations. These tools can help us to understand complex data and information by presenting it in a visual format that is easy to digest and interpret.

We looked at how diagrams are visual representations of information that can be used to simplify complex ideas and relationships. Some common types of diagrams include flowcharts, mind maps, organisational charts, and venn diagrams. These diagrams are useful for breaking down complex ideas into smaller, more manageable components and showing how they relate to each other.

We also looked at how visualisations are graphical representations of data that allow us to see patterns and trends that might not be immediately obvious from looking at the raw data. Some common types of visualisations include bar charts, line graphs, scatter plots, heat maps, and pie charts. These visualisations can be used to show changes over time, compare different sets of data, or identify outliers and anomalies.

However data visualisation isn’t always displayed in these ways and we looked at some creative ways that designers have visualised their data. Including Brendan Dawes who has created a series of digital city portraits that use data visualisation techniques to explore the unique characteristics and identities of different cities around the world.

We then looked at how data can be hidden or presented in a way that it can be deceiving to the viewer. One common method is through the use of misleading or inaccurate visual representations, such as charts or graphs that exaggerate or downplay certain aspects of the data. For example, a bar chart might use a scale that starts at a non-zero value, making differences between bars appear larger than they really are. Another way that data can be hidden or presented in a deceiving way is through the selective use of data points or cherry-picking data. This involves only presenting data that supports a particular viewpoint or argument, while ignoring data that contradicts it. This can create a false or incomplete picture of the situation. Data can also be intentionally manipulated or distorted in order to create a particular outcome or result. This can involve changing the way that data is collected or analysed, or deliberately altering data values in order to create a particular trend or pattern.

Artist Research

The Ukraine-Russia War Infographic by Information is Beautiful is an excellent example of effective data visualisation and information design. The graphic is designed in a highly structured and intuitive way, with each section clearly labeled and easy to navigate. The use of colour, data visualisation, and text all work together to create a visually striking and informative graphic that presents complex data in a clear and accessible way.

The use of maps and timelines is particularly effective in helping the reader to understand the escalation of the conflict over time and the territorial changes that have occurred. The use of charts and graphs helps to provide a more detailed view of the military capabilities of both sides, as well as the economic impact of the conflict. The combination of these different visualisation techniques helps to present a comprehensive overview of the conflict, without overwhelming the reader with too much information.

The use of text is also highly effective, with short, punchy headlines and captions providing context and highlighting key information. The use of icons and symbols helps to make the graphic more intuitive and easier to understand at a glance. Overall, the design of the Ukraine-Russia War Infographic is highly effective in presenting complex data in a clear and accessible way, and is an excellent example of the power of effective data visualisation and information design.

https://informationisbeautiful.net/visualizations/ukraine-russian-war-infographics-data-visuals/

Recording Data

I used the past week to record my data that I want to display in my dashboard. I done this by using the health app on my phone to get my steps, sleep and heart rate. I used screen time section from my settings to get my screen time and time on Spotify. I am lucky enough to have a blackbox in my car so that’s how I got the information about my journeys and how many miles travelled. Lastly I used my banking app to get a summary of my spending for the week