Blog Tools

There are so many amazing free tools available now for enhancing presentations. While researching for this week's blog I came across many exciting tools.  One tool in particular that I found encompassed many tools into one beta site.  It is currently free because it is an IBM prototype called Many Eyes.  This is a site that allows you to upload your data and create a visual image of your choice.  You can test out many different options to see which fits your information the best.  It provides many options from word clouds, to graphs, pie charts and more.  This site is so simple to use.  The only issue I ran into was trying to get the image to dislay directly here. 

I used some generic data about marathons to create this image:

http://www-958.ibm.com/me/visualizations/48af9a48942f11e29827000255111976

There were many choices for creating images and the examples they displayed were great additions to presentation and getting information to people in a more exciting way.  I have never considered myself visual or artistic and yet I now realize that I am capable creating amazing graphics and designs by being a little creative.  This is an exciting field that will make presentations interesting and engaging.  It is amazing to see how fast technology is changing the things we do.

Module 3: Information Design: Process

The process of information design begins with gathering essential information upfront in order to create a successful deliverable and to save both you and your client time.  The more information you have up front the smoother the project goes, which also allows for a strong client relationship to help as you are working with them.

Once this is done you need to begin with a thorough analysis of the entire project and what it entails.  This will require following specific steps from start to finish in order to deliver exactly what is expected.
As you are having these conversations, you need to be sure you are getting all of the specifics for the project, what is expected, when it is expected and how they expect you to deliver the project.  Who in the company or outside of the companies understands the project?  Make connections with these key people who can help you along the way.

In addition to these important first steps, you need to determine who your audience is and how they will be receiving the information.  For example, the traditional product specification can now be delivered on multiple media, using technologies to address multiple audiences. The product specification could be delivered as a paper-based spec sheet, as a section in a user guide or technical manual, as part of a web page, and even inside the product user interface or a multiple of these examples.  Be sure you are preparing for all of the venues you will be using. 

Testing the product/idea should be done to back up any data you will be presenting to your client.  Yet, the most important part of presenting the information is making sure the key decision maker is present (p.34)

 

References:

Baer, Kim, and Jill Vacarra. Information Design Workbook: Graphic Approaches, Solutions, and Inspiration 30 Case Studies. Beverly, MA: Rockport, 2008. Print.

Google images

Module 2: Wayfaring Pros and Cons

Wayfaring information
After completing all of the required reading for this module, I became fascinated with wayfaring and how important images and words can be in our lives when we are not even thinking about it.

Jacobsen defines “ wayfinding in terms of problem solving with three major processes 1) decision making and development of a plan of action; (2) decision execution, transforming the plan into behavior at the appropriate place(s) along the route; and (3) perception and cognition to make and executive decisions” . (p.88)

It was interesting to me to weigh both the pros and cons of this information:
For instance, a globe allows us to visualize spatial patterns on Earth, yet no single representation can show everything, and the features depicted on globes are selected to fit a particular purpose. You will use one map to hike through a mountainous region and another to drive to a point in the mountain for a great view. But both of these items are crucial to your getting to your destination.

The pros: Today there are many apps on phones and in cars to help you navigate to many locations. One great tool that millions of us rely on daily is google maps. This feature is extremely helpful whether walking, driving or riding public transportation.

The cons: Most of us probably rely too much on our autonomous processors to effectively navigate through unfamiliar territory. This could lead to trouble if travelling abroad. To try correct this is make it a point to watch out for and remember specific environmental clues which will help you retrace your steps. If you just wander into an area or room in an unfamiliar building or neighborhood without observing these cues, you will probably become lost after only a few twists and turns.

It is always interesting to come across signs that make you wonder what they mean. There are many websites out there that provide these for humor. Perception of the user is key for many signs throughout the world.  I happened across this sign and the first thing I thought of was Watch Out for Purse Snatchers – this sure looks like a man running with a purse to me… however, I am sure that is not it’s purpose. I also enjoyed reading about each person’s perception can play a different role in wayfaring and I sure this would be the case with such a sign. What comes to your mind when you see this image?