Putting things in context is important
In the Power of
Inforgraphics, (2012), Smickilas talks about how we have used “icons,
graphics and pictures,” to tell stories throughout history. Smickilas is clear
that there is a distinct link between design, information and learning. However,
as the world becomes a more complex place so does the information needed to
interpret the world around us. Looking
at the pictures of the gulls with plastic inside them is a powerful way to
communicate the destruction we as humans are doing to the environment.
Tufte does a
great job explain how there are ways in which we display information to better
test it’s relativity, i.e. its relationship to other factors by which it can be
measured. Tufte discusses how we can
better use new ways to display information where context is provided along with
the information in an effort to better explain its relevance (Tufte, 2006). Tufte also talks about how when we can relate
to the information on more than one level - the ability for the data to relay
information increases.
In Jordan’s TED talk - his use of
pictures and visual-metaphors to display data feels dated. However, it is in-line with the idea that news
ways of displaying data can invoke emotion and get us to better connect with
the information. In marketing this is not lost on us who ply the trade - but it is an important concept for us to keep in mind as we shift away from text being the chief context provider.
References:
Tufte, E. R. (2006). Beautiful evidence. New York.
Jordan, C. (2008,
Feb). Turning powerful stats into art. Retrieved from
http://www.ted.com/talks/chris_jordan_pictures_some_shocking_stats
Jordan, C. (2011).
Midway Island Trailer. Retrieved from http://www.chrisjordan.com/gallery/midway/#CF000313%2018x24
Smiciklas, M. (2012). The power of infographics: Using
pictures to communicate and connect with your audience. Indianapolis, Ind.: Que
Pub.
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