Information Design I - 21175 - VSCM 329 Instructors: Jackie Bagley /Thomas Porostocky Final execution due Sept.

24, 2013

PROJECT + OBJECTIVES

Visualize The Answer To A Great Question.

Explore, expand upon, and answer a great question visually, by creating 3 unique infographics that teach and illuminate about that topic.
Each of the 3 should be approached in a unique manner: - 1 approach must be Data-Driven Chart. - 1 approach must be Narrative (conceptual or metaphor driven). - 1 approach must have a sequence or timeline. Upon successful completion of this project the student will have: 1. An understanding of communicating complex information in an insightful and engaging way. 2. An understanding of approaching the same problem in different ways. 3. An understanding of the layering, filtering, and organizing of information.

BACKGROUND

The basic reason for any infographic is to relay complex information. A great infographic however, also relays this information in a way that is not only informative, but also engaging. People dont read boring. Good work will educate AND entertain.....this is the difference between an infographic and an Excel spreadsheet! As a (hopefully) smart and inquisitive creative, you have the opportunity to educate and illuminate in ways more academically inclined people might not. Use this as an opportunity to teach us about something youre really passionate about, and do it in a way that will excite you and your audience. A single piece for information can be told in many ways; whether its a basic pie chart using numbers, a plotted map, or a narrative exploration using metaphors. This project will push you to explore different ways to communicate the same piece of messaging, leading you realize that the approach to a chart can have as much of an effect as the actual piece of content.

TIMELINE

Week 1 - Sept. 3 1. Compile 10 inquisitive questions that you have always wanted answered, and cant find a satisfying answer to already, or one that you would like to explore. 2. Narrow down to 1 topic to focus in on. Research and gather data on your selected topic. 3. Explore as many ways as possible (at least 10-15) to visually communicate your topic. Week 2 - Sept. 10 1. Present your 10-15 sketches of ways to visualize your selected topic, and accompanying research. 2. Narrow options down to 3 distinct approaches. You must have a Quantitative approach, Conceptual Approach, and one that includes a time line or sequence. Week 3 - Sept. 17 Present first round of each 3 approaches. Week 4 - Sept. 24 Present Final 3 executions to class. Make sure to place your work into context (ie, if your infographic was meant to work in Mcleans magazine, place it into a layout).

PROCESS

1. QUESTION EVERYTHING. Compile 10 inquisitive questions that you have always wanted answered. They can fun, serious or complex questions about things that interest you and that youve been asking yourself, but havent found a good enough answer to. Pick one question that interests you the most and start exploring that topic. It must have enough legs to make it engaging. Eg: Which animals live the longest? Why do we need to sleep? How many books have there been written in history? What are the stages of becoming the Pope? How does the Tour De France work? What is a Higgs Boson? 2. HUNT AND GATHER. Explode out from your question, and research as much information and data that you can about your topic. Try to get as much of the picture as possible....do not filter just yet. Numbers, facts, photos, quotes, time lines, maps etc. 3. FIND THE BIG IDEA. Every good piece of information design has at least one strong idea, or kernel of insight, to communicate. What is your insight? Is there an interesting narrative that hasnt been told about your topic? What elements are most interesting? Is there a unique trend to highlight? What will make people notice? 4. Find A SPACE TO WORK IN. All design has to live somewhere, which presents its own opportunities and barriers. Ask yourself what space your infographic will live in (ie, magazine, online blog, a sidewalk, YouTube?). What space would the audience find most engaging? What barriers does this space present? Can I turn it into an opportunity? 5. Analyze AND CLARIFY. Look into your research and break it apart to really distill your information to the point where it is clear and concise. Build a wireframe of your information to understand how it all connects together. What is the most important element? What is getting in the way? How can I make it simpler? How can I make it more interesting? Is there a sequential narrative? Are there any trends to be aware of? What format/ scales works best with the data? How many parts am I dealing with? 6. EXPERIMENT. There are many ways to tell a story, and your approach can often have a big impact on how it is interpreted in the end. Sketch out as many ways to present your data as possible. Should I approach it in a narrative form or work with making the data look beautiful? What approach is the simplest? What approach is the most engaging? How easy is this particular approach to understand? Should it be a photograph or illustration? A map? Should it move? Keep in mind that not every direction has to use the same variables or data. 7. EXECUTE, TEST AND REFINE. Its always good to reflect back on your work, even if it is still ongoing. Ideally you would ask yourself these questions BEFORE you even start, but it always helps to look back on your work to see how successful it is: Is this approach engaging? How is it at presenting the basic thrust of my narrative? Does it communicate my big idea? Is it honest? Does it mislead in anyway? If so, how can I change it? 8. PRESENT Present your project to the whole class. Sept. 24

EVALUATION

The project is subject to evaluation according to the following criteria: - Design and Concept innovation (originality and creativity) - Effort and depth of research and exploration. - Project management