This week, we delved into an extensive exploration of various chart representations that have been utilised throughout the history of design, examining both historical examples and contemporary implementations. We carefully analysed how these different visualisation methods have evolved and investigated their practical applications within modern design contexts. Our investigation focused on understanding how these diverse charting techniques can be effectively integrated into our design work to enhance communication and visual clarity.
We examined the London Underground Map, designed by Harry Beck—an electrical engineer rather than a designer. His engineering background is clearly reflected in the map's design, which resembles a circuit board. The map illustrates the value of bringing one's unique perspective to a design project. Beck's engineering experience shows how applying your distinct expertise can yield innovative results, even if it seems unconventional at first. He created a map that prioritized clear data presentation over geographical accuracy, which perfectly met users' needs. While an engineering approach isn't always ideal for design projects, Beck's success demonstrates how understanding user requirements can help determine the most effective approach.
We've discussed hieroglyphics throughout this course, but never from a data perspective. Much of what we know about history comes from recorded information, particularly through charts and diagrams. These visual representations often communicate stories more effectively than words alone. Two famous early examples of charts illustrate this point: one shows Napoleon's army's losses during the Russian campaign, while another tracks wheat prices over time. Though these charts document vastly different subjects, their similar presentation methods offer insights into how the human mind processes information.
We examined a modern approach to data visualization comparing global freshwater availability and supply status. Two screenshots from the same webpage present similar information in contrasting ways. Below takes a minimalist approach, focusing on raw figures and using scale to emphasise disparities between values. These distinct visualisation methods appear designed to evoke different emotional responses, encouraging users to reflect on their water consumption.
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This was quite an enjoyable class as I particularly enjoyed the discussions about public transport maps like the London Underground—they're consistently well-designed masterpieces. In fact, whenever I visit a new city, I make it my mission to use their metro system. I appreciate the non-representational approach that prioritises user experience and simplifies navigation by keeping the map contained within its own visual world. This design philosophy could be valuable for future projects, particularly for implementing into the dashboard project.
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