MM1121 - INFORMATION DESIGN AiCASD - Summer 2007 Instructor: Laura Cesari Contact: lcesari@aii.edu OR laura.cesari@gmail.com Week 3: Topics: InfoGraphics 2: Complex Data Systems Lab / In-class activity: Researching Complex Data Systems. Work due this week: Proportional Data Chart, Reading: Chapter 2 Homework for next week: Complex Data Poster: Phase 1 Link: Visual Complexity Midterm Project Phase 1: Due Week 4 (Poster Concept + Reading) I) Complex Data Poster - Phase 1 (10pts) Create a poster charting out the relationships between 100 different data points of ANY SUBJECT. Use graphic symbols to convey the information. Include a key explaining your system. This project is done in 2 phases: a conceptual rough is due week 4, and the final design is due week 5. Phase 1 - Due week 4: 1) Show at least 20 data points in your design. 2) Show least 3 different relationships between the data points. 3) Include a key that decodes the visual system you used: describe what the symbols mean. Example Project: For example, if you like music, start with your 3 favorite musicians, and research each one to find who has influenced them. Then, research their influences to find their influences, and so forth. Also, research other relationships that you find between musicians, such as collaborations, genre, era, label affiliations, style, etc. Each relationship should be visually noted in your chart using graphic symbols, and a key of your own design. Recommended Links for Music Research: allmusic Rolling Stone Live Plasma MusicMap Musicovery GRADING : Complex Data Poster - Phase 1 (10 points total) __ (2) 20 Data points are represented using graphic symbols. __ (2) Inlcude a key that explains the visual system used. __ (2) Text is legible, fonts are consistent. __ (2) Consistent Graphic Style      - use unified themes & graphics      - don't mix iconic and realistic shapes! __ (2) Thematic Design: Theme of the chart should be obvious at first glance. II) READING #3: Chapters 3 & 4 (4pts) Answer questions in writing - please type or write neatly. 1) What is the "squinty eye"? When would you use it? 2) Compare the 4 designs on p.58-60. What tendencies do the engineers, designers, and CEO have about building a site? 3) What kind of information can be found by talking to a company's Marketing Department? 4) How would you determine whether someone would be a good subject for a user research interview? 5) How would you format interview questions to avoid getting "bad information"? 6) What techniques would you use to keep interviews "neutral"? 7) What techniques would you use to keep the interviewee talking and get the most information possible? 8) What is the purpose of a paper prototype test? 9) Imagine that you are starting a company. Create a set of 8 "screening" questions and follow-up questions (like the ones on page 75) that relate to what your company does. 10) Interview 3 people using your screening questions, and record the data. GRADING: READING (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.

Week 1 - (July.13) Week 2 - (July.20) Week 3 - (July.27) Week 4 - (Aug.3) Week 5 - (Aug.10) Week 6 - (Aug.17) Week 7 - (Aug.24) Week 8 - (Aug.31) Week 9 - (Sept.7) Week 10 - (Sept.14) Week 11 - (Sept.21)