The Art of Data Visualization
This video began with the back story of how data visualization began. It started with cartography, which has transformed itself into google maps today. The second biggest influencer was space and the sun. I never thought about google maps as data visualization as it is something I use and rely on almost daily. It is crazy to think about how much information is stored in one app, and how accessible they have made it to the general public. They have successfully created a new language of symbols that people can understand. We know what symbols to look for if we're watching out for oncoming traffic, or if there is a gas station near by. This data bank continues to grow and update itself as road conditions and other data changes. In addition to the traffic information, we can view transit and bus routes, as well as actual images of the place. Satellite images have allowed for us to see what a place actually looks like, and even take a "walking tour".
Google maps is a great example of the three rules they explain that are necessary to follow when producing visual data. 1) As the designer, you must know what you want to communicate. 2) You must understand your audience and the biases they may already have. 3) You must know the data itself and how it informs the truth. I thought it was interesting that they included the fact that you must understand the audience. Obviously you must have a general understanding of who will be seeing your visual because you need to be sure they can understand it, but I never thought about the biases they may bring in. Because the information is visual, someone may have different assumption than you or another view. This mean you must be extra sure to have a clear intension.
They also touch on the fact that your data should have meaning. There should be a purpose and a message behind the image. This really showed through when I saw the image of all the McDonalds in the US.
It definitely sent a message right away and made me almost disappointed in our society. I like what they say at the end that we should "see to learn something not to confirm something." This really drives the point that visual data should form a revelation. It should give a new perspective and a different way of looking at things. While the visual aspect should be aesthetically pleasing, it is not the most important part. They say "look after truth and goodness and beauty will look after herself". I like this because if there is a beautiful image with not meaning then it will never be more than just an image, but if there is a significant meaning, it can evoke emotion and a reaction out of people.
Google maps is a great example of the three rules they explain that are necessary to follow when producing visual data. 1) As the designer, you must know what you want to communicate. 2) You must understand your audience and the biases they may already have. 3) You must know the data itself and how it informs the truth. I thought it was interesting that they included the fact that you must understand the audience. Obviously you must have a general understanding of who will be seeing your visual because you need to be sure they can understand it, but I never thought about the biases they may bring in. Because the information is visual, someone may have different assumption than you or another view. This mean you must be extra sure to have a clear intension.
They also touch on the fact that your data should have meaning. There should be a purpose and a message behind the image. This really showed through when I saw the image of all the McDonalds in the US.
It definitely sent a message right away and made me almost disappointed in our society. I like what they say at the end that we should "see to learn something not to confirm something." This really drives the point that visual data should form a revelation. It should give a new perspective and a different way of looking at things. While the visual aspect should be aesthetically pleasing, it is not the most important part. They say "look after truth and goodness and beauty will look after herself". I like this because if there is a beautiful image with not meaning then it will never be more than just an image, but if there is a significant meaning, it can evoke emotion and a reaction out of people.
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