MM1121 - INFORMATION DESIGN AiCASD - Summer 2007 Instructor: Laura Cesari Contact: lcesari@aii.edu OR laura.cesari@gmail.com Week 2: Topics: InfoGraphics 1: Graphs, Charts, & Tables: Showing Proportional Data Lab / In-class activity: Documenting Proportional Data with Excel & Graphics Software Work due this week: 3 Public Signs, Reading: Intro & Chapter 1 Homework for next week: Proportional Data Chart, Reading: Chapter 2 Links: Edward Tufte, Mark Lombardi, Understanding USA Due Week 3, beginning of class: Thematic Proportional Data Chart (10pts) + Reading #2 (4pts) I) Thematic Proportional Data Chart (10pts) Richard Saul Wurman is famous for combining statistics and design to create "themed" charts, which use graphic symbols to communicate visually the subject of the chart as well as the chart statistics. This week, find a statistic and create a "Theme Chart" of your own. Create an informational poster that shows proportional data in the form of a chart or graph, and also conveys a visual thematic message, using symbols and imagery related to the theme of the chart. You may choose the theme of the chart and the data you would like to represent. Here are a few places you can look: GeoHive US Census Bureau US Social Statistics US Economic Statistics Here is an example assignment: Food Pyramid Revised In 2005, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released new dietary recommendations and a new food "pyramid." You can learn more about it in this article from NPR or at the USDA's official site. How effective is the graphic the government used to display this information? Does it help you understand what foods and what portions are recommended? Is the pyramid metaphor really the most appropriate graphical idea they could have used? For this assignment, we'll see if you can do better. First go to the USDA's site. Enter your information under the "My Pyramid Plan" and check the results. Save the information, and convert it into a more usable graphical representation of the USDA's recommendations. Consider how you can improve the graphic to make it more usable, accurate and interesting. Include your daily recommendations for the following: * Grains * Vegetables * Fruits * Dairy * Oils * Meat and beans ALL GRAPHICS MUST BE YOUR ORIGINAL WORK - DO NOT USE CLIP ART! Turn in digital files of your work in .jpg or .gif format. GRADING : Thematic Proportional Data Chart (10 points total) __ (2) Proportional Data is represented correctly. __ (2) Graphics convey the Theme of the poster      - it should be immediately clear what the chart is about __ (2) Relevant Symbols & Colors are used to represent the data.      - use unified themes & graphics      - don't mix iconic and realistic shapes! __ (2) Text is legible, and consistent fonts are used. __ (2) Image Quality: chart should be at least 8x10" at 72dpi, or larger. II) READING #2: Chapter 2, "First Principles" (2pts) Answer questions in writing - please type or write neatly. 1) What are the goals of "Wayfinding"? How can good site design help achieve these goals? 2) What types of feedback do users need? 3) What can you do as a designer to make an experience "ergonomic" to the user's hands, eyes, and ears? 4) What standards do you notice that are common to many sites? Under what circumstances would you consider working outside of these standards? 5) How can you prevent users from making errors? If a user does make an error, how should a site respond? 6) How would you organize a site to allow users to navigate by "Recognition rather than Recall"? 7) What should you consider when designing advanced features for expert users? 8) Where and how should Help content be provided in an interactive experience? GRADING: READING #2 (4 points total) __ (1) Use complete sentences. __ (1) Answers demonstrate knowledge of the assigned reading. __ (1) Answers are in your own words, not copied from the book. __ (1) All questions are answered.

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