EXERCISE 1: Quantify Data (10%)
NAME: Miao Xinjun
STUDENT I.D: 0379525
MODULE: Information Design GCD60504
TABLE OF CONTENT
1. Instruction
2. Process
3. Submission
4. Feedback
5. Reflection
1. INSTRUCTION
This was a very interesting task. We were required to select a type of element, such as coins or building blocks. Elements of the same category needed to have three different attributes, which could vary in shape, color or material. Then we used these elements for data quantification, and presented the information and data of the elements in engaging forms like charts and graphs.
2. PROCESS
I selected 26 types of letter blocks in different colors and shapes as the
elements for my quantitative data analysis. Although there are a large
number of these elements, after sorting them out, I found that despite the
huge quantity caused by the 26 letter types, the letter blocks only have
three different colors and two different shapes in total.
Next, I thought about how to quantify these numerous letter blocks. Since there are many kinds of letters, I needed a method suitable for presenting large amounts of information to process the quantitative data. After consideration, I decided to use a table to show the quantified information of these letter blocks. I then drew drafts to design the table layout and confirm which labels were necessary.
In the draft table design, I first divided the letter blocks into two main categories by shape: round blocks and square blocks. These letter blocks also differ in material besides letter type, shape, and color. However, all-round letter blocks are opaque, while all square letter blocks are transparent. Therefore, I classified material together with shape, and did not list material as a separate category in the table. After that, I sorted both round and square letter blocks into three columns by four colors: pink, green, orange, and red. Finally, I set 26 columns in the main content of the table to arrange the 26 different letters.
After finishing the draft, to make sure the table was large enough to hold all the blocks, I drew the table on an A3 sheet of paper and created the initial chart. First, I used a pencil to draw the table frame according to the draft on the A3 paper, dividing it into 26 rows besides the small category labels. Then I outlined the lines with a marker and refined the final table. Once the table was completed, I started sorting the letter blocks and placing them into the table.
To efficiently classify and arrange a large number of letter blocks into the table by category, I decided to first sort them by letter type, and then by color and shape before putting them in place. While sorting the 26 types of letters, I made an interesting discovery. The letter blocks printed with N and Z, as well as M and W, are two pairs that are easy to confuse, and I nearly mixed them up. I believe this point deserves special attention in information design.
After placing all the sorted blocks into the table, I completed my first chart.
Based on the feedback, I needed to improve my information quantification task in two aspects. First, I could try to conduct information quantification in a more engaging way, such as adjusting the table styles. Second, the current information quantification diagram failed to display sufficient content. For instance, although viewers could see the major categories of letter blocks, they were unable to view relevant quantity data.
I then revised my information quantification diagram accordingly. I moved the single-column table labeling the 26 letter categories to the middle of the tables that summarize the two types of letter blocks (square and circular). Additionally, I added the total number of letter blocks for each shape below the titles of the respective tables.
Finally, I uploaded the optimized information quantification diagram.
I used CamScanner to take photos and upload my final data quantification finished work.
3. SUBMISSION
Comments
Post a Comment