Andrew+M+R12

My favorite quote from the reading describes “our entire observable universe is but one of many “bubbles” in an inflationary sea” which describes how far we are from the rest the universe and how everything else in the universe is far from every other thing in the universe. The vast distances between stars paints a very insulating and somewhat lonely feeling. With the closest star, Proxima Centauri, being 4.2 light years away, travel to other solar systems seems impossible even if we could travel at the speed of light.

Such topics always led me to imagine humanity advancing to a point of travel faster than light, which then quickly leads me to think that if such speed was possible, why haven’t aliens already come to us? Maybe we’re the first forms of life to reach this level of intelligence or maybe higher forms of life with such abilities to travel the universe are so far advanced that they are unaware of our ant like existence and we are unaware, or unable to conceive of, their godlike existence.

Either way, traveling to the Alpha Centuri system would result in very unique scenery. With its 3 stars of varying size and color, the system must produce interesting day/night cycles. Information design in regards the suns, moons and seasons of a planet in that area would be an interesting challenge and would produce wildly dynamic graphs due to the complex components of the solar system.

Thoughts on the beginning of the universe always lead me to think of its end; and just as the universe has a beginning and end, I often cannot help but to wonder what happens before and after a lifetime. Life and death, beginning and end, the very small and the very large; these topics never get the attention they deserve in our culture and I’m inspired by anyone who uses them as a basis for their work because as Carl Sagan said: “We are made of star stuff. We are a way for the Cosmos to know itself.”

GordonGR12

Information Design ~ Reading Day 12 ~ Our reading assignment for the day is a bit of a time travel on several levels. First of all, we are reviewing an essay that had been assigned to us from about three weeks ago. Secondly, the subject matter takes us on a journey back about 14 billion years in its interpretation of the history of the expanding universe. An excellent juxtaposition by Bethany Armstrong!

Regardless of my position on the validity of the “science”, my appreciation for the artistic interpretation of the cosmic adventure is whelmed. David Weinberg, Ohio State University, Department of Astronomy gives us his thoughts in his essay From the Big Bang to the Mutiverse: Translations in Space and Time. In his essay, he follows the artist Josiah McElheny’s process in creating “An End to Modernity”. Josiah wanted to capture the theory of evolution in all its big bang glory. Not your everyday simple consignment!

I think the real art here was in his dedication to detail. Josiah was true to his vision in regurgitating out his glass and wire masterpiece. I found fascinating lessons in his methods of interpretation. As I read the essay and followed Josiah’s methodology, I couldn’t help but think of J.K. Rowling and her fanciful run of Harry Potter. Both have made beauty out of the wonders of their mind.

I have learned that Information Design can take on many forms. The historical charts and maps were the building blocks for the graphs of news papers and signs. Color printing and technological advances brought life to ink and video. Kiosks, computers and phones hold and deliver more information now than ever dreamed possible… at least until tomorrow. Huh, how’s that for an evolution that needs no theory?!

JordanO_R10

Museums provide various levels of learning for all kinds of people and even though there is the same information available to everyone, not everyone will always take away the same information. This not only goes for learning that takes place in museums but anywhere in life. People will be drawn to what they have natural interest in. If they have natural interest in a certain subject that person is more likely to take that information into greater depth and take greater lengths to concentrate and acquire the knowledge. People will not always gain the same levels of information either. Sometimes a person will have previous background knowledge about a certain subject and this will cause them to learn less about the topic being studied compared to the other people taking in the experience. This comes from them having a basic knowledge of the subject matter causing them to learn more specifics about a topic and fill in the gaps in more detail. The person learning this information for the first time will acquirer more basic knowledge but will not be able to retain or comprehend some of the complex details without the previous experience or added interest.

I think that another great aspect of this free learning system that we use for museum visits and taking in knowledge on a daily basis outside of a controlled learning environment is the choice of learning methods. Everyone will choose to learn at his or her own pace or own particular style if given the choice. The writer of the blog stated in the reading that he noticed a significant difference in learning methods from person to person. He preferred reading the signage and the use of visuals to gather information about a certain subject, where as his partner would often choose the auditory method of learning. Along with that people will often choose the method of learning that is most comfortable to them. Because the writers partners native language was Spanish he chose to use the Spanish audio tapes in the museums because it was a more natural form of learning for him than reading in English or another language.

I find that when I go through museums that I am often are more interested in the objects themselves than I am the explanation. If something truly captures my attention then I will invest more time and interest in that subject and further my learning about that topic. When I think back to the learning we did in the museums we went to, I found myself going after the information that we were required to get first. If then I was more interested I would spend the addition time to gather the rest of the information presented on display. I think that especially in Discovery World I found myself wandering to various exhibits even that weren’t highlighted in our questionnaire because I was interested in them. Storms have fascinated me for quiet some time so anything about weather such as the exhibit presented MATC instantly gained my attention. Even though we were not required to gain any knowledge as a class at this exhibit I was fascinated and built new knowledge off of my previous knowledge. I found that I new quiet a few of the fact in this exhibit, but was still able to give myself further information about something I already had a background in.

Learning is a different process for everyone and everyone learns differently. This is such a true statement and when designing museums, or in our case info graphics it is important to keep in mind the various types of learning and making sure more than one type is available if possible. I think that would greatly insure the retention of your information and increase interest from a greater number of people.

Paul-A-R12

David Weinberg’s essay on Josiah McElheny’s work entitled An End to Modernity is very much like the text that accompanies museum exhibits: it is an attempt to explain in words what has already been depicted visually with the hope that the objects will be better understood and appreciated. Having background knowledge about an object of art will certainly add to the depth of understanding, but at the same time it places limits on our own interpretation of the objects. Once we find out that the artwork was inspired by the Lobmeyr chandeliers that hang in the Metropolitan Opera House, we may begin to see them only as chandeliers, rather than as star clusters, atomic particles, solar energy bursts or whatever else we may freely perceive. We become enmeshed in facts that tether our imagination. We also become mere recipients of knowledge rather than participants in the artistic process. We are guided to the truths rather than discovering them ourselves. As Saul Carliner pointed out in his essay, Reflections on Museums 3: Different Ways of Learning from Museum, everyone has their preferred method of moving through a museum and experiencing what is presented there. Some people just like to look at the exhibits, others have to read all of the information provided. Perhaps just looking at the objects of An End to Modernity would suffice. If the artist would not find that satisfying, he should perhaps supply a graphical explanation on a wall nearby that would inspire observers to seek further information in the form of a textual explanation. The trap would be set. You could decide to enter it or not.

Rachel+H+R11

I'm not sure what I think about charging people for knowledge, as a future educator, I believe that knowledge is something that is to be shared. The person who passes on their knowledge doesn't lose anything by doing so, so why not share it? I understand the capitalistic approach of the website creators/contributors, they have the information and in return want to be compensated for it, but what about a human approach? Could the advancement of society be worth more?

I have recently gotten into watching the History Channel's Ancient Aliens on youtube and I just keep thinking what if this information was withheld from me? How long would I go on not knowing the possibilities the show presents? I know that I probably wouldn't have paid to watch these videos...well maybe now I would since I've become enthralled in the idea. Maybe if they let you watch a little bit and then hit you with one of those “teasers” I would fork over the money to see the ending, but if the information is truly anything worth charging for wouldn't the holder want everyone to know? I think I would.

I understand that the designers and also the people obtaining the knowledge cannot work for free. Perhaps the privilege to contribute information via discussion posts from users who pay a fee could be enough? Otherwise the idea about bundling certain websites could also be more appealing to an internet consumer if there a “deal” is offered like there is for the museum passes. I'm still not sure were I stand on this..the artist in me feels for the designers but the teacher in me feels for the students (web users) who are eager to learn.

Also another question. How would you keep people from duplicating or spreading the website information to others on the web? Copyright laws?