Reflection

This week we started by looking at the ancient information about charts and the origin of them. The use of charts can be traced back to ancient times when people used simple pictorial representations to convey information. However, the modern concept of charts as we know them today originated during the Enlightenment era in the 18th century, with the rise of scientific exploration and the need for data visualisation.

One of the earliest forms of modern charts was the bar chart, which was first introduced by William Playfair in the late 18th century. Playfair's bar chart depicted economic data in a clear and accessible manner, making it easier for people to understand and analyse.

In the 19th century, other types of charts were developed, such as line charts and pie charts. These were used extensively in business and scientific fields to present data in a visual format that was easy to understand.

With the advent of computer technology in the 20th century, charts became even more prevalent and sophisticated. Today, charts are used in a wide range of fields, from finance and economics to science and engineering, and they continue to evolve as new technologies and data visualisation techniques emerge.

Research

I had a look at the article "Cards: The Information Design Pattern that Works Everywhere" by the Nielsen Norman Group which discusses the use of cards as a design pattern for displaying information. The article highlights the benefits of using cards, such as their flexibility and compatibility with various platforms and devices. Cards are rectangular containers that display content in a structured and organised manner. They can be used to display a variety of content types, including images, text, and interactive elements. Cards are particularly useful for displaying content in a mobile-first design approach, as they allow for easy scanning and navigation on small screens. The article also provides guidelines for designing effective cards. These guidelines include using clear and concise labels, making sure the cards are scannable, and using visual cues to indicate interactivity. Overall, the article emphasises the importance of using cards as a versatile and effective design pattern for displaying information. By following the provided guidelines, I can create effective and user-friendly cards that enhance the user experience on my dashboard.

I also looked at the article "Designing for Data Visualisation" on Medium by IBM Design which discusses the importance of effective data visualisation and the considerations that designers should take into account when creating visual representations of data. The article emphasises the need for designers to understand the audience and context in which the data visualisation will be used. It also highlights the importance of selecting appropriate visualisation techniques that accurately convey the intended message. The article provides a range of tips and best practices for designing effective data visualisations. These include selecting the appropriate data visualisation type based on the data and message, using clear and concise labels and titles, and using colour strategically to highlight important information. The article also discusses the importance of usability in data visualisation design. This includes ensuring that the visualisation is easy to read and interpret, providing clear navigation and interaction, and minimising clutter.

Overall, the article emphasises the importance of designing data visualisations with the audience in mind and taking a user-centered approach to data visualisation design. By following the provided best practices and considering the user's needs and context, designers can create effective and user-friendly data visualisations that accurately convey the intended message.

Wireframes

I took my sketches from last week and used them to create wireframes in Figma.

I carefully selected a colour palette dashboard, opting for a harmonious combination of blue and green tones to evoke a sense of calm and organisation. These colours work well for presenting data and information in a clear and visually appealing manner. In addition, I incorporated a vibrant pop of orange into the palette to create visual contrast and draw attention to key elements within the interface. The orange accent added an energetic and attention-grabbing element to the design, enhancing user engagement and ensuring important data points stand out effectively. This thoughtfully chosen colour scheme aimed to balance professionalism with a touch of dynamism to create an aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly data visualisation dashboard.