Data Visualization Activity

jtirrell's picture





The purpose of this visualization activity is for students to gain experience working with data maps. Select one of the choices below and create a data map based upon the respective information. The maps students produce should be posted to this blog entry as file attachments by the beginning of class on Monday, Jan. 14. This activity is a 2 point homework grade.

twykoff's picture
Fairway Roommates 2007-2008

This map shows the change of rooms between semesters this year at my Coop.

Submitted by twykoff on Fri, 01/11/2008 - 17:55.
bfawaz's picture
This was created around the

This was created around the information found in the David Derbyshire article.

Submitted by bfawaz on Sat, 01/12/2008 - 17:42.
Girl's picture
I thought the use of running

I thought the use of running icons was a nice effect, and I thought the idea of having the figures run towards the viewer gave it a nice perspective. Instead of just having the runners run from left to right or right to left, the running towards view provided an unique, alternative view. I also thought the labeling of the figures as the years also worked. The only problem I have is the 1950 and 1979 figures, they are overlapping and I had trouble reading those specific figures.

Overall the simplicity of the image makes it easy to read and easy to analyze. I thought that it was a good idea to only use 3 colors, any more colors--I think it would have taken away from he image.

Submitted by Girl on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 13:22.
Girl's picture
and I know my name is a

and I know my name is a male's name. I'm also a classics major...and all my papers have been on him. Also, he wears dresses...and so do I...so it works.

Submitted by Girl on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 13:32.
Data Map 1

This map was created to show the difference in the ability of children to roam in this day and age vs the early 20th century.

Submitted by matt33172 on Sun, 01/13/2008 - 11:29.
colgrunt's picture
Data Map 1

How Children Lost the Right to Roam in Four Generations

Submitted by colgrunt on Sun, 01/13/2008 - 18:15.
aculp's picture
I feel that this is a very

I feel that this is a very effective data map. The way the 4 individuals are displayed in a ruler format makes it easy to see the lengths the individuals could roam. It also gives us a comparison to something that we are use to and helps show us the large differences between specific individuals. The data is very clear and isn't cluttered, the extra data is put off to the site so it doesn't get in the way of the main data.

Submitted by aculp on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 13:18.
physicschic's picture
Re: Data Map 1

I think this is a well thought out data map to display the roaming rights of children. It not only gives the distance for each child, but gives a reason why this distance was set. The visualization appeals to the eye and is easy to understand. It also gives a good visual as to the difference in each distance. It represents the gap between each child well, thus improving the perspective on the large distance difference.

Submitted by physicschic on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 13:21.
er0l12's picture
The main reason i chose this

The main reason i chose this map was because it was very clearly shown how the generations were different first. Then at a closer look it gives the information on what made them different. You can easily understand what the entire article was about with only looking at this map for a few moments.

Submitted by er0l12 on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 13:21.
er0l12's picture
How to clean dvds

If you can't tell, I have no idea what program everyones using to make things look professional, I used paintbrush...

Submitted by er0l12 on Sun, 01/13/2008 - 18:51.
iamaustin's picture
Austins submission

This is a reflection of the children roaming article

Submitted by iamaustin on Sun, 01/13/2008 - 20:40.
XxscxX's picture
...

This visual representation can give a better comparison of distance for those who may find it difficult to image how far eight miles is in relation to one mile. The shaded areas are very effective in showing how far the child can roam from their house. With this image it is easy to see the dramatic change of how much roaming ability a child has lost in four generations.

Submitted by XxscxX on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 13:16.
colgrunt's picture
I like this one.

I thought this one was pretty good because of the setup. This data map is displayed on a time line rather than a distance chart. In this, removing the fallacy of the undetermined freedom of Vicky Grant. But, in that undetermined distance the data map provides a rough idea of the location Vicky Grant could travel. Although, this might have some fallacy also, but less of the point and more to the time line.

Micah

Submitted by colgrunt on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 13:17.
CatTail1986's picture
Comment2

I like the roaming areas highlighted in different colors

The satellite map is a wonderful touch!

Submitted by CatTail1986 on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 13:18.
glmaster's picture
asdf

I liked this one because it is concise and isn't hard to follow. The simple organization is powerful in getting the information across.

Submitted by glmaster on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 13:20.
effective

I believe that this is an effective data map because it not only has a timeline giving temporal context, but it also has a color overlay of a satellite image. The use of a color representing each individual person at age 8 allowed for a color overlay showing where each child could roam. This map is very effective in portraying all the information, both temporal and geographical, in one single concise document.

Submitted by matt33172 on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 13:20.
Pan2's picture
Nice concept

The concept of overlaying a range of possible destinations within certain walking distances was a great idea. It's easy to look at his map and imagine the distances these children walked and visually comparing them with each other. I have an easy time relating to exactly what the article was talking about.

Also, the way you labeled the areas based on the linear time plot at the top of the graphic makes comparing children from the different time periods very easy to do. You've been reading your Tufte, I can tell.

Submitted by Pan2 on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 13:23.
lcsnare's picture
This very clearly

This very clearly demonstrates the differences in each generation of children's roaming distance. They are laid on top of each other which allows for very quick and precise comparisons. The different colors with the fading at the edges very nicely demonstrates that the roaming distance is approximate, yet the image still leaves us to see the glaring differences between each generation.

Submitted by lcsnare on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 13:28.
Girl's picture
I'm new at this... I did the

I'm new at this...

I did the How-To Apply to Grad School Iconographic

Submitted by Girl on Sun, 01/13/2008 - 20:45.
BobbyM3's picture
Awesome job!

I really like the layout of your map. When I look at it, it reminds me of stepping stones and how to get from one to another. I like the subtle use of color, and how its used to make certain things stand out. I think the "done" check boxes are also a very creative idea, and I could picture printing this off and using it as a check list to get things done. The only thing that I would change are the links between circles; theyre a bit faint and can be hard to see. I think if they were darker or more bold then they would stand out more and clear up any confusion, but thats just being nit picky. Overall, great map!

Submitted by BobbyM3 on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 13:19.
Soho's picture
I think the your data map is

I think the your data map is one of the best, specifically due to the use of the checklist at each step. This gives the user a more interactive and personal experience with your data map, making it something that they may actually want to hold onto and follow rather than read of and then dispose...nice work!

Submitted by Soho on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 13:19.
er0l12's picture
goods

this map very well done for a number of reasons. the first and most important reason is because of the simplicity of the design. I think that because it steps were numbered and connected it is very easy to follow and no one would get lost. It is also subtly creative with the check marks and the icons for the items needed. At a closer look the map has all the required information in how to apply to a grad school.

Submitted by er0l12 on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 13:26.
physicschic's picture
How-To Iconographic

I did a visualization for How to Apply to Grad School.
Amy Lankey

Submitted by physicschic on Sun, 01/13/2008 - 21:03.
CatTail1986's picture
My Design

I did the How-to Iconographic.

I made the directions on the given website shorter and in my own words.

I created my datamap more as an advertisement for a particular product.

I hope ya'll like it (^_^)

Submitted by CatTail1986 on Sun, 01/13/2008 - 23:08.
zmcnulty's picture
Here's a How-To clean a dvd.

Here's a How-To clean a dvd.

Submitted by zmcnulty on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 00:38.
visualization

This visualization was done very well. The information is given so that it is linear. The visualizations are very clean and informative. This visualization is something that you would see in any CD cleaning product. I think that the information is clear and that the intended message will be received.

Submitted by cloud586 on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 13:16.
BobbyM3's picture
Good job!

I really like your map on how to clean a DVD. The steps are clearly shown, there's no confusion, and it has great visual aids. Definitely an awesome job..

Submitted by BobbyM3 on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 13:21.
iamaustin's picture
This diagram is very

This diagram is very professionally laid out. All of the 'icons' used matched accordingly to both the text accompanying the image as well as the other images used in the map. The overall look is aesthetically pleasing but doesn't detract from the content. I think that this could be used as a product insert to describe proper cleaning technique.

Submitted by iamaustin on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 13:22.
colgrunt's picture
I like this one.

This visualization looks to be very clear and accurate. It's linear so it's easy to read and follow. Each graphic is given instructions for more clarification to what is being done in the graphic and step. Each step is easily recognizable by it being numbered one through six.

Micah

Submitted by colgrunt on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 13:22.
aalbert's picture
simple and neat

It is very neat and simple. The instruction numbers are presented from left to right which is a very natural way of reading any kind of instructions. I like that you provide an arrow to show in which direction to wipe the DVD properly. You made a little note bellow every picture icons. I think it is a very neat arrangement.

Submitted by aalbert on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 13:23.
XxscxX's picture
.

Mapped a social network.

Submitted by XxscxX on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 01:32.
bfawaz's picture
I'm a bit of a sucker for

I'm a bit of a sucker for flowchart formatting, but I feel they are one of the most effective ways to present organizational hierarchy. The divisions of committees are categorized in such a way so as to allow even distribution and are not distracting or overbearing to the rest of the information. It also allows for a structure showing equal importance of the diverse tasks in every member's respective categories. The pledge class key adds the dynamic aspect to the data visualization which helps create a well rounded impression of the secondary considerations when viewing this chart.

Submitted by bfawaz on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 13:21.
physicschic's picture
Re: .

This data visualization would be perfect for this chapter's alumni history. It represents the committees for the past four years and each person that represented each position. It breaks the committees into subcategories which makes it easy to interpret and shows each person's pledge class. I also like that it labels the name of the pledge class as well as the year and semester. It is displayed nicely and would make a good chart to use on this chapter's website!

Submitted by physicschic on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 13:25.
Silento's picture
Flowcharts are wonderful

Flowcharts are wonderful things. The information presented is easy to follow and digest. I would suggest using blue instead of black to underline Victoria R.'s name, but that's just for appearances. Functionally, this is a good chart.

Submitted by Silento on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 13:28.
zmcnulty's picture
There's a lot of information

There's a lot of information on this visualization. I like though that you weren't afraid to use something classic that people know, and it works. Its simple to follow through the flow chart to where you want to get information from. Using a key at the top really helps to bring out the information. From a usability standpoint, you could at some point have issues with using the colors to separate, but for the most part, its fine.

Submitted by zmcnulty on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 13:28.
aculp's picture
Here is my design for "How

Here is my design for "How to Clean a DVD."

Submitted by aculp on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 02:45.
Pan2's picture
Nice layout

I like the way you didn't use redundant graphics, i.e. the CD, over and over, and instead used the one large CD to give a sense of a cyclical flow describing the cleaning process. The text pops right out at the viewer, and is contrasted well with the descriptive icon/pictures in the background. The entire graphic is very coherent, aesthetically appealing, and very easy to understand at quick glance.

Submitted by Pan2 on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 13:17.
zmcnulty's picture
I feel like this

I feel like this visualization works very well. One reason is the layout. We are all very familiar with clocks, and that they start at the top and go around clockwise. This visualization puts the steps around in this order. Each step shows the different things needed for that step, which lets you know what you need at that step. The visualization is clean, and aesthetically pleasing. Aesthetics aren't the most important thing, but I do believe that it definitely helps to have something that is pleasing and looks professional.

Submitted by zmcnulty on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 13:24.
lcsnare's picture
I particularly liked this

I particularly liked this one because of the relevant graphic that leads your eye from step to step. Each step has a visual associated with it, including the direction of the wiping which is drawn directly on the disc. This makes it very easy for anyone to understand how to clean a disc. The steps start logically at "12:00" on the disc, and follow clockwise as almost everyone is familiar with. The text is never competing with the background for colors, which means that the text is easy to read.

Submitted by lcsnare on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 13:24.
XxscxX's picture
..

The whole look of the design is visually pleasing. The font used seems appropriate for the image. One can easily tell that the instructions are to be read in a clockwise direction. I like how along with the instructions, an image is placed behind it, without really distracting from the text. Also only having one CD image and it being placed in the middle helps save space and repetitiveness.

Submitted by XxscxX on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 13:26.
nice job

I believe that this data map is very effective at showing how to clean a DVD. The author used a large DVD with the steps in how to clean it surrounding it in clockwise order giving a nice flow. Also the images themselves are very clean and the text is clear and easy to read. Tips are given as are the items needed to clean the DVD which add a nice touch. Overall this map is very effective at showing the viewer how to clean a DVD without a bunch of clutter and easy to read and follow steps.

Submitted by matt33172 on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 13:26.
Girl's picture
nice layout

I agree, the layout is interesting. The text wraps around the CD, making the CD the center piece. One thing that bothered me was the blue-ish color around the title font. Maybe its just the computers but it hurts my eyes. The other font chosen for the text looks good though and easy to read. I thought the images were simple and made the "Things you Need" not really needed since the images in the directions showed you what was all needed (so it is good that the things needed is not emphasized). I also like on step 6 where you draw the lines to show that you need to wipe in lines from the center of the disc, but maybe it would have made it even more effective to make the lines arrows which pointed outwards to emphasize the directions even more. I think the simple design and the use of white space makes the directions easy to follow and read.

Submitted by Girl on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 13:29.
Pan2's picture
Grad School Visual

Bah. I got a "C" in the class that taught us how to use InDesign...so apologies for the shoddy formatting.

Submitted by Pan2 on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 10:57.
iamaustin's picture
I think this diagram is very

I think this diagram is very well laid out. You can tell that thought was put in to the images, because they echo what is said in the text almost verbatim. The presentation is clean, and organized in an intuitive way. In addition, i believe special attention was spent on selecting the steps and presenting only the meaningful instructions.

Submitted by iamaustin on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 13:15.
CatTail1986's picture
Comment1

I like the character that you created with your design. This technique helps a stressful job become more entertaining.

Submitted by CatTail1986 on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 13:19.
bfawaz's picture
The division of sections is

The division of sections is complemented well by the use of complementary images so as to not be too distracting. Helpful margin sections like "things you'll need" are adequately placed so as not to conflict with other sections. Chronological ordering maintains a rational flow from left to right, and is not terribly confusing to follow. Font is consistent throughout, which keeps from overemphasizing or underemphasizing key points.

Submitted by bfawaz on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 13:27.
aalbert's picture
I like the instructions

I like how you make the instruction easy to understand.
I like how you provide 'Things you will need' on top of the design. It gives a pre instruction of how it goes.
The icons are very attractive, it makes the job more interesting.

Submitted by aalbert on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 13:28.
glmaster's picture
How to clean DVDs

How to clean DVDs

Submitted by glmaster on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 11:18.
Soho's picture
How to Clean DVD's and CD's

Here is my Visual Data Map on how to clean DVD's

Submitted by Soho on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 11:48.
glmaster's picture
good

I like this one because it is pleasing to the eye and informative.

Submitted by glmaster on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 13:18.