GordonGR01

Information Design ~ a course that is aptly named. I think that by the end of this month, we will have established that a picture is worth way more than a thousand words… and that a properly conceived chart can literally hold millions of bits of information.

The lesson began before the class ever had a chance to. A hand written note posted on the door read “Class moved to Art Building Room 409”. It was an interesting start to a communications class to say the least. Could have been a test, might have been a quiz… needless to say it was a jump start to my very first class on the UWM campus… Where is the Art Building?

Like any good work out, we had to first stretch before any heavy lifting. Since this was a critical thinking class, our brains were the only muscle in need of calisthenics. The Student Survey form was first – aced it and didn’t confuse my siblings with my pets. The group session and Data Whammy proved to be a brain opener as well. Simple objects, all that I have seen, overlooked and taken for granted took on new relevance as we “rediscovered” their physical qualities and reason for being. Another level of thinking came in to play as we explored their various perceived / intended usages along with alternate usage possibilities. Now take that object and explain it to a Martian. Suddenly all of society’s norms and habits are irrelevant. This challenges all the “quick fixes” and begins to expose the essence of communications. I learned that the more I tried to “simplify” – the more questions and tangents sprang up. The K.I.S.S. theory flew out the window….. or did it? A short film by Charles and Ray Eames underscored today’s initial lesson that good communication principles are timeless. Hang on, I’m dealing with some noise here.

The Reading Day 01 assignment – Graphical Excellence introduced the role of graphics within the context of statistical information sharing. Talk about timeless; the text referenced a map dating back to1546 that utilized statistical graphicacy. Ha! The origin of K.I.S.S.

Each section of the reading began to illustrate the importance of graphics and its role within several areas of statistical graphics execution. Data Maps, Time-Series, Narrative Graphics of Space and Time, and Relational Graphics all historically showcased the key role that design and graphics played in the role of communications. The text stressed the importance of accurate information (garbage in – garbage out) along with keeping the visuals on point. The harmony of the data to be delivered with the proper support of the graphics determined the success of the desired message.

Data Maps share incredible amounts information over a wide variety of topics and usages. It truly is wild to think about how the earliest of maps were created. Their accuracy is a testament to man’s quest to rule his domain. I mean – no satellite pictures or anything.

Time-Series finds its place among the common chart. The naked chart however, would be cumbersome and downright intimidating if not for the inclusion of support graphics. Once again, the incorporation of graphics aid in the downloading of vast information.

Narrative Graphics of Space and Time takes information sharing to another dimension – actually two and three dimension to be exact. I think these are interesting visually and deliver the most impact… an art form in and of themselves.

Relation Graphics take on an almost scientific persona. Here again the huge amounts of information are streamlined with the aid of graphics. The role of the graphics in each area at its best goes almost unnoticed. The information is paramount. The concepts, data and knowledge is what needs to be shared.

And thus begins my journey exploring the art of Communication via Information Design.